Analysis of Implementation of an AGV in Agribusiness Company

Abstract

Objective: This paper presents a case study, in a large agricultural machinery assembler, where a method is proposed to ensure an analysis, implementation and validation of the implementation of AGVs in the agribusiness industry.   Theoretical framework: The use of AGVs in the agribusiness industry provides several operational benefits, which are reflected in the optimization of its processes. Thus, becoming more competitive, reconciling new trends and market demands, providing margins of error and increasingly narrow quality standards.   Improvement of product quality: When it comes to car dealerships and their after-sales services, customer satisfaction and/or complaints, there is a scarcity in the literature that reinforce the use of the process mining technique. Thus, to cover this gap, there is a clear need for this research.   Methodology/approach: Using practices from the Lean Manufacturing philosophy, strategies were defined on how to reduce these losses, replacing idle labor with autonomous vehicles.   Results: Results demonstrate significant gains in a low payback time of 45 days and a 22% reduction in operating costs.   Research, practical and social implications: Based on the studies presented in this document, it is possible to verify a considerable loss of labor, due to operator idleness and its resources, such as the transporter cart, as well as layout restrictions and supply models.   Originality: Industry 4.0, also called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, brings technologies to the manufacturing environment. One of them is the use of self-guided vehicles - AGV - to ensure greater agility, dynamism and organization in the operation in an industrial environment.