FANUC Factory Automation America, the world's largest manufacturer of CNCs, and Wynright Corporation, the nation's leading designer of intelligent material handling systems, have teamed up to automate and optimize FANUC FA America's CNC system inventory management utilizing many FANUC CNC innovations for the first time in the U.S.
The automated Goods to Person (GTP) system, designed by Wynright, provides FANUC FA America with an automated motion control system for CNC system inventory management -- complete from ordering to shipment. The system streamlines the entire process including local-level inventory management control with direct communication to FANUC's ERP host system.
"Wynright played an integral role in designing and implementing our automated inventory system," says Zach Heuer, GM, IT at FANUC FA America. "Together, we analyzed our inventory process and re-engineered it for optimum efficiency -- to better position ourselves for today's business as well as for future business."
Wynright designed the GTP system to integrate unit-load ASRS and ergo-assist cranes with a vertical lift module, improving operator ergonomics and isolating inventory in a secure environment. The versatile system also enables FANUC FA America to handle variations in velocity as inventory is being managed within its facility.
"The FANUC FA America automated inventory system is an excellent demonstration of Wynright's innovative approach to designing factory automation systems," states Paul Deveikis, Wynright's division president for Elk Grove Engineering and Integration. "Our team of 200 engineers constantly seeks to create systems for our customers that focus on their desired business outcomes, instead of just trying to make products fit into a one-size-fits-all solution. Our tenacity and willingness to dig deep into business requirements and processes provides a significant competitive advantage for companies such as FANUC FA America."
Wynright's design integrated many of FANUC's CNC innovations in a motion control application for the first time in the U.S. This includes innovations in CNC, servo motor, connectivity and integrated automated solutions; the first installation in the U.S. of FANUC's 35i-B CNC; the first wheeled vehicle controlled by a FANUC CNC in the U.S.; the first application of the newly designed FANUC aif 40/3000hv servo motor in the U.S.; the first FANUC EtherNet/IP installation in the U.S. integrating a FANUC CNC and PAC (programmable automation controller) in an application.