TRANSFORMING MATERIAL HANDLING AT LOCKHEED MARTIN WITH COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS
Listen to Corey Cook, Senior Solutions Architect at Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
How robotics is co-enabling the defense supply chain of the 21st century
Inventory optimization needs across the multi-echelons of a risk adverse, complex and mature supply chain drove Lockheed Martin to invest in the most recent advancements in robotic technologies. In this session Corey Cook explains how robotics is co-enabling the defense supply chain of the 21st century. Corey details the unique requirements and challenges he overcame and how metrics change as you move from conventional to robotic material handling equipment.
Lockheed Martin Supply Chain Challenges
- Complex dynamic work environments
- Significant security requirements
- Lack of qualified personnel
- Significant training requirements
- Non-standardized warehouse processes
Why Lockheed Martin chose collaborative robots
- Eliminates long walks - Brings work to the associate
- Reduces in aisle walking - Intelligent order allocation
- Speeds up the task - Directed workflow, 3x rates, 15 minute training
Quick and easy implementation
"The IT team said this integration was one of the easiest they've ever been through.” Cook remarked.
More Than 4X Throughput
Lockheed Martin quadrupled pick rates and decreased walking with pick path optimization. Overall Lockheed Martin sped up processing by greater than 4X, from 16 LPH to 77 LPH in-aisle picking. Lockheed achieved a return on investment in nine months with an estimated savings of $1,500,000
Solution & Results
In just six week, Lockheed Martin saw some huge gains by choosing 6RS:
PREVIOUS LINES Per Hour (LPH)
16 LPH
Target LPH
65 UPH
Actual LPH
77 LPH
Improvement
481%
SIMPLIFIED THE ENTIRE PICKING PROCESS
With 6RS, we found that training was incredibly quick. Our assocaites know how to use Chuck after just 10 minutes of training. We found that associates feel better about their work when they work with the Chucks.
Why do associates like the system?
By implementing collaborative robots, Lockheed Martin saw worker productivity — and employee morale — increase.
"We felt it was critical for our associates to buy into collaborative robots. "
Optimizes the picking route to reduce walking.
Carries the totes, keeping associates hands-free.
Confirms picks and indicates which container to put items into.
Provides context specific reason codes which makes exception handling a breeze