First the Stockport-based company needed to gather the dynamic data they needed to run tests in order to know how to best move and store different sized glass products as well as ensure Pilkington’s got the best use of their warehouse and new fleet of forklift trucks.
Using Industry 4.0 technology, specialist simulation engineers from Inspection Systems created before and after ‘digital twin’ warehouse simulations using software developed by Siemens.
This then allowed the existing layout of production at the warehouse to be tested alongside multiple alternatives to see which worked best and to find the optimal layout all while not interrupting day to day operations of the warehouse.
Pilkington UK’s Operations Manager Mike Sharples was delighted with the work undertaken by Inspection Systems. He said: “Thanks to their expertise in simulation, there’s no need to risk downtime when we can now test any elements in the layout and quantify the impact from multiple perspectives.
“This marks a new chapter for our operations and we’re excited to see what further efficiencies can be made with the digital twin.”
As a result of the work, Pilkington’s were able to ensure they have the best organisation of their warehouse while also obtaining the capability to test future ideas that could improve their operations in a no risk environment.
For more information on Inspection Systems, visit the company’s website.