Leading Caterpillar® dealer WesTrac has marked the third annual Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day, a celebration of artificial intelligence, or AI, and what it can offer the business and customers in the future.
WesTrac jumped on the AI tidal wave by incorporating it into day-to-day operations at its Tomago parts distribution warehouse, in New South Wales, with the launch of the AutoStore system.
AutoStore uses unique robots with memory technology powered by AI to understand where specific parts are stored in the warehouse, before they go and retrieve the orders within 5 to 10 minutes.
Warehouse Operations Manager Natalia Trewin said the AutoStore system has made the distribution centre operate in a safe and efficient manner by using robots to pick up orders, keeping people out of harm’s way.
“WesTrac’s warehouse operates 24/7 to provide our customers with efficient service, and with the tight labour market, we needed a practical solution to fulfill our customers’ orders as quickly as possible,” Ms Trewin said.
“We decided to implement the AutoStore system, which is set up similar to a Rubik’s cube, with very densely packed plastic tubs sitting on top of each other in a large cube that robots dip down into to pull out needed parts.
“The system uses 24 robots, who are all uniquely identified with colours and names like Wall-E, Bumblebee and Pickeralla, that are capable of picking 500 product lines per hour.
“Not only does our warehouse operate more efficiently, but the design of AutoStore enabled WesTrac to gain an additional 1,000 square metres of space.”
Ms Trewin said over time, the AI-powered robotic system will adjust locations of the parts in the warehouse based on live usage data, so the most required parts are at optimal positions.
“Since these robots joined the WesTrac team, we have started looking at potential future growth thanks to their quick turnaround time, which includes increasing customer orders and boosting the scale of our operations.
“We are entering a new and exciting era as AI becomes more advanced, and for WesTrac, using AI to provide better support for our customers was a no-brainer.”
In the lead up to AI Appreciation Day, AutoStore demonstrates how one of the world’s largest Caterpillar dealers is using artificial intelligence to improve safety and efficiency at its operations.
To download audio, photographs and footage of WesTrac’s AutoStore warehouse, click here.
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Spoke Corporate
Emily Evans 0401 337 959 emily@hellospoke.com.au
Marissa Taddeo 0401 019 885 marissa@hellospoke.com.au
About WesTrac
As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of machinery and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible.
With more than 4,000 staff and 350 apprentices enrolled in our nationally accredited training institute, WesTrac is dedicated to creating and delivering outstanding value for our employees, customers, shareholders and the community. We are committed to excellence and are focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment.
Community involvement is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions we are based. As part of Seven Group Holdings Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Coates Hire and SITECH.
Contact details:
Spoke Corporate
Emily Evans 0401 337 959 emily@hellospoke.com.au
Marissa Taddeo 0401 019 885 marissa@hellospoke.com.au