Solution
Controls Automation Solutions
A structured and well-built controls architecture is key to running an efficient system helping to ensure that maximum outputs can be reached. It is essential when choosing which controls automation solution will run your MHE that you consider how it links with your WMS and WCS. Our ICS (Invar Controls System) works seamlessly with our IWS software. The greater the system flow considerations, the greater the pay back.
Controls
Our ICS has been developed in the UK by our in-house team of industry-leading controls engineers. ICS is a modular plug and play field based controls solution that can be configured to match your hardware and software requirements. Providing you with an intelligent system, which fits perfectly with your processes, giving you live feedback of MHE conditions to your IWS/WMS host system – allowing your operation to run dynamically.
A three staged approach:
An advance warehouse must be dynamic and have multiple system flows/routes available, specialist third party equipment (labellers, auto baggers, carton erectors, auto void reduction, auto lidding/sealing), all must be connected intelligently to optimise data and diagnostics and maximise productivity. This requires a unified approach across all elements of the MHE, to enable intelligent routing logic to command machines at material flow level. Invar has the sole capability within the UK to provide you with a complete, integrated controls system that incorporates controls hardware, software, and user interfaces, ensuring you have a scalable and robust solution that delivers optimum results.
Our solution
- Controls Hardware Solutions: Modular field based, plug, and play for quick installation and swap over, and networked to enable full remote diagnostics and health/performance dashboards – to optimise productivity and reliability of MHE.
- Controls Software Solutions: Modular software functions that are configured to the system requirement to cater for all aspects of MHE and peripheral devices to provide real time status and routing messaging to the host system to enable intelligent decisions to be made.
- Analytic Solutions: Additional data collection can be recorded and trended to provide a full system status trending the norm and highlighting potential issues before they occur via a system health dashboard and sending alerts to key individuals.
The vast majority of controls vendors deliver a fixed basic solution but Invar prides itself on delivering a flexible, modular, intelligent controls solution to ensure fast project delivery, ‘go live’ system reliability and lifecycle support. We work with our clients to design and build a modular configuration that is optimal for purpose.
At Invar we can provide the complete range of Controls solutions – from control of mechanical handling subsystems – from robots, sorters and conveyors to ASRS and mini-load systems. Stay in ‘Control’ and let us design a solution that works for you.
Testimonials
Invar have provided unrivalled support to the site team; from design through to implementation, the creative and flexible approach has brought the vision to life, resulting in a robust and flexible solution for our customer
Logistics
Since dealing with the Invar project team for the Stanton / Under Armour implementation I have been impressed with the level of service, knowledge and can-do attitude. These qualities have continued within the residency solution whereby the site is supported in a number of key measures such as a detailed PPM schedule, training staff on equipment, stores / spares management and building support. The weekly review meetings with the team ensure everything is effectively managed within agreed time frames.
Facilities Manager at Ceva.
In the last 18 months I have seen Invar grow from strength to strength, I was part of the initial process where we recruited Greenstone to support with the servicing and repairs of our Conveyer and box machines, they have grown in that time from suppling engineers to helping us optimise the equipment, expand the area and incorporate changes to layout and process. With the team now fully established at the SDC, I feel we are is such a better situation, with limited downtime, planned preventative maintenance and increased productivity. The Invar team have done a great job, and I am extremely happy with the service that they have provided
Facilities Manager at Pets at Home
Our investment in collaborative robotic technology means we have greater flexibility in our operations for customers, enabling us to better manage the fluctuating product volumes associated with high volume eFulfilment work. Overall we were very impressed with the approach and the level of innovation that Invar brought to the project, integrating multiple technologies to produce a highly efficient, robust and cost-effective operation.
Managing Director - eFulfilment at Wincanton