Implementing an AGV System

Should You Work with a Consultant or an AGV Vendor

The chances are that if you are planning a complex or integrated type of AGV system, you will employ a consultant to assist you with the planning. However, in general that is not necessary for most other AGVS projects.

Among the factors, beyond an integrated or complex system that need to be considered concerning use of a consultant or not are:

• Data gathering – do you have the time to do this?
• Cost/benefit analysis – can you prepare one?
• System concept evaluation – do you have resources to compare pros/cons of different AGV approaches?
• Vendor analysis – are you capable of evaluating different AGV vendors (experience, reputation, resources, etc.)?

It is probable that over 90% of the AGV systems installed each year do not involve direct consultant assistance. Most AGV systems have a clearly defined mission and are generally the stand-alone type. This being the case, most customers prefer to approach the use of an AGV system with internal planning and evaluation resources.

As a rule, good common sense is the best resource you can have. And, you usually don’t need to pay for it if you already possess it. Users will find that AGV companies have the genuine product application experience that most consultants lack. Appropriately blending good old common sense with product application experience is proven recipe for a successful AGV system.