Since the 1960s, when lean manufacturing was first used in Japan, tugger train systems have been synonymous with lean processes, timed logistics, and traffic-calmed intralogistics. The milk-run concept is adhered to in production thanks to these towing trucks with transport routes, which ensure a supply of materials that is based on demand as well as their disposal.
They are also referred to as tugger trains or tractors because they are comparable to public transportation train systems. Tugger trains are becoming an increasingly important mode of internal transportation for businesses in a wide variety of industries, including the automobile industry and the supply industry.
There are numerous benefits to switching from a traditional internal material delivery method to a modern tugger train system, including:
Traffic control
It is sensible. Compared to numerous forklift trucks, a tugger train creates a lot less traffic. Tugger trains make less noise, use less energy, need fewer workers, and have lower operating and maintenance costs. Internal transportation expenses are kept constant thanks to the cyclical work process.
Improved security for traffic in warehouses
A crucial component of efficient intralogistics is preventing workplace accidents. There is no question that one tugger train is more secure than multiple forklift trucks obstructing the road. This improves safety for the carried goods, the workers, and the warehouse itself (such as at the shelves). Tugger trains guarantee better-managed and synchronized internal traffic.
Boost supply chain and operational efficiency
Manufacturing timetables provide a steady supply of materials in the precise order that is required for production. Materials are transported to the supply locations according to a pre-set cycle at predetermined intervals. The quantity and duration of the tugger trains’ trips are thus determined by this. Establishing a process that is as straightforward to replicate as possible, that operates smoothly and has strong error transparency, is the definition of process reliability.
Boost output in the same production area
Increasing production without expanding the manufacturing area is a typical justification for establishing a tugger train system. In compact manufacturing locations where a lot of varied, little materials need to be refilled rapidly and frequently, tugger trains are frequently utilized to supply assembly areas.
Production personalization and increased product diversity
Does your production need additional components, a wider variety of components, or greater variation, for instance in terms of kind or colour? The digitally controlled tugger train can assist by bringing modest quantities when and how production requires them.
financial benefits
A tugger train system would require less capital overall. Trucks and related resources are used less frequently throughout production procedures. When compared to forklift trucks, tugger trains lessen the requirement for labour-intensive manual labour in the transportation of materials. Tugger trains follow predetermined itineraries as a result of careful design, guaranteeing open procedures. After a quantifiable interval, they circle back to the starting position, making the arrival of the following delivery at the production site predictable.
Ergonomic work
Tugger trains are more ergonomic to utilize because workers don’t spend as much time sitting. All work processes are made ergonomic by the addition of extras like the STILL ergonomic trolley’s tilting function, which allows workers to change to the ideal working height and have simple access to the containers.
