Not every business is ready for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and that’s okay. While AGVs offer huge potential in efficiency and scalability, the reality is that many facilities need a few foundational steps first. That doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means there’s opportunity to optimize the systems you do have.
At Konnected Technology, we help clients of all sizes rethink how they automate, starting with where they are. So if AGVs feel out of reach or just not right for your current operations, here are smart alternatives that still move your business forward.
1. Start with Real Time Downtime Tracking
If your team still manually reports production delays or relies on guesswork to spot inefficiencies, it’s time to automate that process. Real time downtime tracking systems capture production pauses, categorize the cause, and feed insights to your dashboard so you can take action faster.
This type of automation:
- Increases visibility on the shop floor
- Reduces manual reporting errors
- Pinpoints issues before they become bottlenecks
And best of all? You can layer this system without a massive overhaul.
2. Digitize Your Workflows
Before introducing autonomous vehicles, ask yourself: is your current workflow even optimized for automation?
Konnected helps clients digitize their existing processes using:
- RFID and barcode scanning
- Touchscreen guided workstations
- Sensor triggered alerts and instructions
These tools improve consistency, quality, and accountability across the floor, building a more predictable environment (which AGVs respond well to later).
3. Automate Material Flow Without Robots
AGVs aren’t the only way to streamline material movement. Alternatives like guided push carts, conveyor enhancements, or smart shelving can automate transport tasks without high cost robotics.
We’ve implemented hybrid solutions for clients where:
- Workers are guided by screens or lights to move materials efficiently
- Pick to light systems reduce human error
- Sensors trigger materials to be restocked or reordered automatically
These upgrades can reduce movement waste, improve throughput, and set the stage for full AGV use later.
4. Enhance Your Data Infrastructure
Many companies invest in physical automation before they’re truly ready. Data infrastructure, like a strong WiFi backbone, cloud based dashboards, and integrated software, is critical to ensuring any automation (robotic or not) functions properly.
We help businesses:
- Integrate shop floor tech with ERP or WMS systems
- Centralize KPIs on a live dashboard
- Set up real time alerts for quality or production deviations
These are low visibility, high impact upgrades that make any future robotics investment actually work.
5. Let Us Meet You Where You Are
Konnected isn’t just an AGV provider. We’re automation strategists. If AGVs are too big of a leap right now, we’ll help you find a smart, scalable entry point.
Whether it’s digitizing one production line or installing your first touchscreen workstation, we design solutions based on your operations, goals, and budget.
Not AGV ready? That doesn’t mean you’re standing still.
Let’s find the right way to move your business forward.👉 Explore our services or contact us to build your roadmap.
