Optimising milk runs: How technology is making intralogistics processes more efficient

Date: October 29, 2024, author: Róbert Žalman, source: sewio.net

In the manufacturing and intralogistics environment, efficiency is a key factor for staying competitive. Many companies are therefore investing in optimising various processes, including milk runs. This is a system of regular material deliveries within a production hall or warehouse that ensures the right amount of stock is in the right place at the right time. By tracking inventory movements quickly and accurately, companies can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Milk runs

The challenges of traditional milk runs

Traditional milk runs are often subject to inefficient situations that lead to delays, wasted resources and inaccurate deliveries. Traditional milk run management methods based on fixed time intervals or manual supervision have their limits. Employees often struggle with unpredictable changes in demands and a lack of up-to-date vehicle location data, causing unnecessary downtime and reduced accuracy.

Digital transformation of milk runs

With the rise of technological innovation and the availability of modern location solutions, it is now possible to track vehicles and inventory more accurately in real-time. Modern technologies such as real-time location systems (RTLS) make it possible to track the movement of all elements involved in milk runs – from the trucks to the materials they carry.

By deploying RTLS, routes can be analysed and optimised, reducing downtime, reducing delivery time and increasing delivery accuracy. The system can identify where delays are occurring and design more efficient routes.

Benefits for production and intralogistics managers

For production and intralogistics managers, optimising milk runs has significant benefits. Real-time location systems enable detailed monitoring of productivity and create visibility of flow processes in production. This information helps to uncover bottlenecks and eliminate waste. Furthermore, flexible planning and the ability to adjust routes according to current needs and capacities contribute to smooth logistics.

The implementation of RTLS technology not only brings cost savings, but also improves overall process management and transparency. Managers gain a clear overview of the efficiency of employees, vehicles and material flows, enabling better decision-making and timely response to changes.

Conclusion

Optimizing milk runs with RTLS is a modern solution for increasing the efficiency of intralogistics. This technological approach promotes transparent processes, accuracy and rapid response to change – all essential for success in a competitive manufacturing and logistics environment. For managers, it’s a way to efficiently manage material flow and contribute to company-wide productivity.

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