With its new Automation Check-up, Unitechnik Systems GmbH offers a structured service for optimizing automated logistics systems. The three-stage process analyzes malfunctions, implements targeted improvements, and thus ensures greater productivity and stability in operation.
An unplanned plant shutdown in the middle of peak operation is a nightmare for many companies. When processes come to a standstill, deliveries are delayed, and employees are stressed, entire operational processes are at risk. Time and again, it has been shown that failures often announce themselves weeks or months in advance. This is exactly where Unitechnik comes in. With its new Automation Check-up, Unitechnik Systems GmbH is introducing a three-phase service concept that goes far beyond traditional maintenance. The aim is to ensure the long-term technical availability of systems and to increase performance through targeted improvements.
Stability instead of fault reports
The concept is based on a structured triad of analysis, implementation, and evaluation. In the first phase, Unitechnik takes a close look at past fault reports: Where are the problems in the system? What patterns can be identified? This analysis is supplemented by a software check-up, because outdated firmware or unused functions can also significantly impair performance. The result is a concrete action plan that clearly shows where and how improvements can be made – both technically and organizationally. Phase two is all about implementation: Control experts from Unitechnik take care of adapting the software, carry out in-house tests if necessary, and accompany the changeover on site. Close communication with the customer is crucial, because only when theory and practice come together can the full potential of optimization be realized. The third phase concludes the process: a detailed before-and-after comparison of plant availability. This reveals which improvements are already taking effect and where there is further potential.
“Our goal is to support our customers not only in the implementation of automated logistics systems, but also throughout the entire operational phase. The Automation Check-up is a central component of our partnership,” emphasizes Christian Stangier, Head of Customer Service at Unitechnik. “We help to identify weak points at an early stage and remedy them in a targeted manner. This prevents costly failures, reduces unplanned downtime, and significantly improves operational planning. At the same time, it takes the pressure off the teams on site, allowing them to concentrate on their core tasks again.”
An impressive example of the success of the Automation Check-up was evident right from the first implementation: analysis and subsequent measures reduced the downtime of a storage and retrieval machine due to malfunctions by 94 hours per month. This enabled the customer to efficiently store and retrieve an additional 4,215 handling units per month.
The offer is aimed at companies that want to future-proof their existing automation systems. The concept has already proven itself in practice: many customers have opted for regular automation check-ups—a strong indication of the long-term benefits of this offer.
