Evaluierung automatisierter Transportlösungen zur Optimierung innerbetrieblicher Warentransporteam Beispiel der AGRANA Stärke GmbH

Abstract

Internal transportation is essential for the supply of different departments and for the movement of end products within a company. To meet the increasing demands on the internal transport, a profound selection of suitable means of transportation is essential. For this automated transport solutions are increasingly being favored. However, the use of such transportation solutions not only offers opportunities, but also states challenges that must be taken into account. Subsequently, this thesis deals with the identification of two automated transport solutions for AGRANA Starch at the location in Aschach an der Donau. These are being evaluated on the basis of SWOT-analyses and compared with the prevailing situation (actual situation). In particular, the opportunities and risks associated with the use of selected automated transport solutions are highlighted. This section (Chapter 4) represents the empirical part of the thesis. In terms of methodology, the first two chapters are limited to researching, processing and interpreting the relevant literature. Chapter 2 begins by describing the transportation system and its elements, which are necessary for carrying out transportation tasks. Chapter 3 then provides the reader with an overview of the possibilities for transporting goods within a company. Both manually controlled and automated conveyors are described. For use at AGRANA Starch, two automated transport solutions are considered in more detail. On the one hand, the described roller conveyors in combination with a vertical conveyor for the production hall 6, which together form a conveyor bridge to the warehouse. On the other hand, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for hall 3 is examined. The aim of both transport systems is the continuous movement of goods. The SWOT-analysis carried out for the roller conveyor in combination with vertical conveyors shows a number of opportunities that can arise from implementation. For example, transportation can be designed without any human intervention. At the same time, this enables a continuous transportation of goods, which results in increased efficiency. Furthermore, this transport solution offers the possibility to adapt to future growth as well as integration into other automated systems. However, these opportunities are confronted with some risks, such as employees' reactions to changes or the maintenance effort of the entire transport solution. An AGV was considered as the second transportation solution for AGRANA Starch. Through the uniform execution of transports an AGV increases productivity and enables employees to focus on value-adding activities. On the other hand, environmental conditions and obstacles on the route significantly restrict transportation with AGVs. High initial investments can also be deterring and prevent the use of this automated solution. Additionally, also with this transport system the various negative reactions of workforce to change can be an obstacle and indicate an impression of rationalization. Finally, the SWOT-analyses serve as a basis for a possible investment. Further analyses and steps need to be initiated in order to make a final investment decision for the future development.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Franz Staberhofer (Supervisor)