How to automate factory and warehouse intralogistics to improve efficiency and productivity.

Interview with Young Joon: Factory Solutions

Samsung SDS has a wide array of solutions for businesses and institutions. One of our many specialties is endpoint and security solutions: with the rise of IoT and high use of technology in keeping track of business data in the modern workplace, the need has also arisen for companies to make sure said data is secure from leaking, loss, or misuse.

Today we have invited Young Joon to talk to us in more detail about our Factory Solutions, an intelligent plattform to empower facilities and warehouses with automated transportation and storage processes between production lines.

1. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?

Hi, my name is Young Joon Suh and I am the Delivery director of the Factory Solution Business at Samsung SDS Europe. I am responsible for the overall delivery of material handling automation projects.

2. Please explain, what is Material Handling Automation and how does it work?

Material Handling Automation, also known as intralogistics, is the art of optimising, integrating, automating, and managing the logistical flow of information and material goods within the walls of a factory or fulfilment/distribution centre.

With Material Handling Automation, traditional manual labour that has been used to transport and store goods is replaced with equipment such as conveyors, AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). These different types of equipment are controlled by control systems and synchronised with higher systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and WMS (Warehouse Management System) to provide improved productivity and efficiency.

3. What types of specialized Material Handling Automation systems are there, and how can they be used?

There are five primary types of equipment for material flow automation, and all of them are used to improve operational efficiency and reduce human error within facilities.

1) Conveyor systems: Conveyor belts that deliver, store, and transport products and materials 2) Transport systems: Motorised solutions such as AGVs transport, pick up and put down products and materials throughout the facility
3) Storage systems: Solutions such as AS/RS store and retrieve inventory from racks and shelves
4) Sortation systems: Mechanical systems that sort products automatically to improve throughput and efficiency
5) Palletizing systems: Systems for stacking cases of products onto pallets for shipment or storage

Samsung SDS has been providing E2E material handling automation to both Samsung manufacturing affiliates and external customers. In Europe, our initiatives have largely focused on (but not limited to) automating the car battery industry. We have supplied and integrated more than 300 AGVs along with other systems and automation equipment to support the transformation of the manufacturing process and improve productivity.

4. What are the benefits of automating transport and storage processes?

Ultimately, automation is always about increasing efficiency and productivity. As a result, it provides many benefits such as:
• Improved efficiency and productivity
• Reduced costs
• Fewer human errors
• Increased safety

With automated transport and storage processes, you optimise the flow of materials and make better use of space. These factors are all money in factories and warehouses.

5. What gives our Material Handling Automation an edge over the competition?

Samsung SDS is a trusted brand with 40 years of experience and a strong track record built upon our best practices across various industries. We offer E2E integrated automation solutions from concept to implementation, ensuring we deliver reliable operational excellence and empower customers with real-time intelligence.

6. Lastly, how do you see the future of Material Handling Automation and other factory automation systems developing?

The shortage of skilled labour coupled with smarter machines and data optimisation can only mean one thing: Material handling automation is inevitable, it is the future of the industry. It is reported that in 2023, more than one in four (26%) manufacturing entrepreneurs in Europe struggle with skilled labour shortage – a huge jump from 2012, when it was at a modest 7%. Meanwhile, automation is getting more affordable than manual operation to handle repetitive intralogistics tasks – finding a forklift driver is a lot more difficult and expensive than ever. Finally, the digitalisation aspect of automation enables better visibility and optimisation of information to streamline and improve daily operations.

Thank you, Young Joon!

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