In intralogistics, retrofitting is the upgrading or modernisation of existing systems in a warehouse.
Retrofitting is intrinsically linked to the life cycle of an intralogistics system. It is considered when the system reaches maturity, when the production of spare parts threatens to come to an end, or when technological developments render its functions obsolete or inefficient.
There are three types of retrofit, the common objective of which is to optimise operational efficiency and extend the life of the installation:
Retrofitting is a wise choice for companies that want to keep control of all their intralogistics systems. As these systems are often interconnected, technological harmonisation is all the more important to meet the challenges of productivity and limit the risks of downtime.
All the experts agree on the need for a more flexible supply chain in the face of increased competition and an unpredictable economic climate. They want to make the most of their existing facilities, with controlled investment and a rapid return on investment.
Today, companies have an obligation to anticipate in order to avoid the risks that an ageing system could pose for the entire supply chain: loss of efficiency, business interruptions, high maintenance costs, etc. Rather than suffer, managers are choosing to modernise, usually in successive stages, with minimal or no impact on production.
Retrofit is therefore the ideal solution for :
Hardware obsolescence, which can affect system performance.
Optimisation needs to meet operational goals.
Process changes to adapt to demand.
Integrating new technologies into existing systems.
Eco-responsible challenges for intralogistics systems.
A desire to reduce costs.
The savings made by renovating rather than buying new installations, and by using less energy-intensive mechanisms.
Productivity gains generated by technological upgrades, improving work processes and reducing error rates.
Increase the lifespan of systems, helping to reduce maintenance costs and the company’s environmental impact.
Adapting the supply chain to changing demand, machine compliance and new safety standards.
The duration and cost of a modernization obviously depend on the complexity of the existing systems and the extent of the changes made. It is generally advisable to plan the project up to a year in advance and work in stages, especially for companies that cannot afford to interrupt their operations.
Training staff on new systems is also crucial to the long-term success of the project, maximising the benefits of the new technologies while minimising the risks involved in integrating them.
Before starting a retrofit, it is important to have a clear vision of your future installation so that you can remove any obstacles and put in place a transitional solution that will ensure the smooth integration of the new equipment.
Drawing up specifications is crucial to the success of the project.
As an integrator and designer of intralogistics solutions, TRANSITIC has teams of experts specialising in retrofitting intralogistics equipment.
Our offer enables you to deal with the obsolescence of mechanical, electrical or IT equipment, reduce breakdowns, improve safety and increase overall system performance.
As a result, we are one of the only companies in the intralogistics market able to offer a complete retrofit package for pre-existing solutions, regardless of the original manufacturer or IT solution used. We select the most appropriate technologies, and take care of the transition during the retrofit phase, as well as staff training.
Whether upgrading, extending or adding new functionality, our teams offer mechanical, electrical and IT services to meet new customer needs while capitalising on existing resources.
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