In today’s ever evolving warehousing industries, efficiency and flexibility are everything. As businesses face increasing pressure to move goods faster, reduce costs, and maintain safety, automation is becoming an essential part of daily business operations. However, a fully automated warehouse isn’t always the right solution for every company. That’s where the mixed fleet approach comes in. Combining manually operated forklifts with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to create a tailored balance of human skill and automation. But what exactly does a mixed fleet mean for your business, and how can it help you find the optimal level of automation?
What is a mixed fleet?
A mixed fleet is the practice of running both manual and automated material handling equipment side by side within the same operation. Instead of seeking full automation, businesses can opt for a combination of skills that that leverages the complementary strengths of both forklifts and AGVs. We call this optimal automation.
Manual forklifts are ideal for tasks that require flexibility, problem-solving, and operator agility. They handle irregular loads, complex environments, and unexpected changes efficiently.
AGVs excel at repetitive, predictable tasks. They work tirelessly, reducing labour costs and improving consistency. Another benefit to cost savings is the fact that AGVs are precise and traceable, which means less damage to goods and infrastructure.
By combining these fleets, businesses can design workflows that are efficient, scalable, and cost-effective.
Benefits of a mixed fleet
Optimised Efficiency
AGVs can take on repetitive transportation tasks, freeing human operators to focus on more complex jobs. This ensures that both people and machines are used where they’re most effective.
Cost Savings: Full automation requires significant upfront investment and this isn’t always practical. A mixed fleet allows your business to adopt automation gradually, controlling costs while still feeling the benefits of AGVs.
Cost savings
Full automation requires significant upfront investment and this isn’t always practical. A mixed fleet allows your business to adopt automation gradually, controlling costs while still feeling the benefits of AGVs.
Scalability and flexibility
Every warehouse or production site evolves. With a mixed fleet, you can easily scale automation up or down depending on changing business needs.
Enhanced safety
AGVs operate with advanced sensors and safety features compliant with the ISO 3691-4 safety standards, reducing accident risks in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, trained forklift operators can handle the judgment-based decisions that machines can’t replicate. When working together, this can create a safer workplace.
Additional safety devices such as the Proximity Detection System (PDS) also enable safer operations by allowing manual operators to detect a nearby AGV even in low-visibility areas and giving them enough response time to slow down or stop if needed. Same for AGVs, they will detect human operators before they step into scanner zones.
Imrpoved productivity
When Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and Rocla AGVs work side by side, operations run smoothly. Materials flow predictably where automation is in place, while human expertise ensures that exceptions and more complicated requirements are handled quickly.
Why choose mitsubishi forklift trucks and rocla agvS
Not all equipment integrates seamlessly, but Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and Rocla AGVs are designed with reliability and performance in mind. Mitsubishi forklifts are trusted for their durability, operator comfort, and advanced ergonomics, helping businesses maintain high productivity in manual operations. Meanwhile, Rocla AGVs are industry leaders in automation, offering scalable, flexible, and intelligent solutions that integrate smoothly into existing workflows and environments with minimal to no modifications to existing layouts.
If you're interested in discussing a mixed fleet approach for your business, get in touch via the Greenline on 0845 3713048 or complete our contact form.
