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AGV planning: your path to efficient automation

With ProLog Automation you have discovered the market leader for AGV services. The meticulous work of our experts underlines our conviction that automated guided vehicles are the future of internal logistics and motivates us to do our best for our valued customers every day.

Factors for successful planning of AGV projects

Successful companies use AGVs for their internal transportation. Our manufacturer-independent support stands out in this context, offering maximum expertise in the planning, servicing, commissioning and operation of AGVs from most manufacturers.

The Importance of Professional AGV Planning

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are highly complex systems that require a high level of expertise. If this expertise is lacking during the design phase, costly retrofits may be required later on.

This is exactly where we come in: Holistic planning is at the heart of what we do. With our specialized expertise in AGV systems, we guide you from the initial logistics concept through to implementation—and we do so completely independently of any specific manufacturer. Together, we’ll determine which provider best meets your specific needs.

Everything from a single source—without losing expertise

With the combined expertise of more than 60 specialists, we understand the specific challenges faced by companies ranging from small and medium-sized businesses to automotive manufacturers. We support you throughout the entire lifecycle of your project:

  • Development of specifications (precise and future-proof)

  • Start-up optimization (for a smooth start)

  • Routine Maintenance & Safety Inspection (for long-term reliability)

Rely on our expertise to take your intralogistics to the next level in a targeted and reliable way.

Employees of Prolog Automation in the AGV planning department

Phases of AGV Planning

From the initial logistics concept to the final specifications: Our structured approach to delivering the system you need.

Planning for the AGV project begins with an AGV feasibility assessment and can be seamlessly supplemented with AGV simulation to provide a clear conclusion regarding technical and economic feasibility. The planning process is completed with the creation of the AGV specifications and the subsequent evaluation of AGV bids. Our services work together seamlessly as a comprehensive, all-inclusive package for AGV planning.

Step 01

State of Affairs

  • On site
  • Based on documentation
Step 02

Feasibility Assessment

  • Technical
  • Economical
Step 03

Concept development

  • AGV
  • Master controller
  • System
Step 04

Manufacturer's recommendation

  • Suitable for your application
Step 05

Optional: Simulation

  • Video System Overview
  • Statistics
  • Compact documentation
Step 06

Specifications Appendix

  • Requirements for Mobile Robotics and the Operating Environment
  • Definition of technical and functional interfaces
Step 07

Fleet Manager Specifications

  • Requirements for control software, communication interfaces, and IT interfaces
  • Features & Visualization
Step 08

Quote review

  • Technical
  • Economical

Across all industries and independent of manufacturers: Who we design for:

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses & Industry

Are you facing the challenge of automating existing warehouse layouts or planning a new facility that’s optimally suited for AGVs? We’ll translate your logistics vision into a vendor-neutral concept and help you avoid costly planning mistakes. This ensures that only suitable suppliers are considered when you request quotes.

Automotive industry and large corporations

Complex material flows, sophisticated IT interfaces, and the integration of mixed fleets via VDA 5050 are all part of our daily business. We bring the necessary methodological expertise to large-scale projects.

General contractor and logistics planner

Are you planning a comprehensive system for your client and need in-depth AGV expertise as an add-on? We can support you as independent technical experts, either working behind the scenes or directly as part of your project team.

Good to know: Since we do not sell our own vehicles, you can count on our complete impartiality. Our sole goal is to find the best solution—both economically and technically—for your specific application. We offer an all-round carefree package for every area.

Focus on Interfaces: Why VDA 5050 Is Changing Your AGV Planning

A key factor in the success of modern AGV planning is the future-proofing and flexibility of your system. This is where the VDA 5050 interoperability standard comes into play: It breaks down traditional manufacturer barriers by defining a common communication language between automated guided vehicles (AGVs) of different brands and a higher-level control system. For your planning, this means: You are no longer tied to a single manufacturer’s ecosystem but can coordinate AGVs and/or AMRs of any design across manufacturers in a mixed fleet. However, since the standard (currently in version 3.0) still has limitations—such as in cross-manufacturer map usage—this interface must be strategically integrated into the layout and traffic concept from the very beginning.

AGV experts inspect a vehicle during planning

AVG Avoiding planning errors

In the world of AGVs, nuances matter. As pioneers in AGV services, we are well equipped to help you navigate these nuances and ensure that your automated guided vehicle system is optimally tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About AGV Planning

Why is a vendor-neutral approach important in AGV planning?

Many AGV manufacturers offer their own planning services in addition to their vehicles, naturally with an eye toward their own product portfolio. The result: The recommended solution suits the supplier, not necessarily your requirements. ProLog Automation does not sell its own vehicles. That is why we can conduct a manufacturer-neutral analysis to determine which system truly suits your needs, both technically and economically—thereby protecting you from poor investments and premature vendor lock-in.

What do I need to consider when planning an AGV system?

Successful AGV planning begins long before the selection of a manufacturer. Key factors include a realistic analysis of existing material flows and facility conditions, a clear definition of transport tasks, and the early integration of IT interfaces and safety requirements. Experience shows that the most costly mistakes occur when these fundamentals are not properly addressed—for example, a layout that is too tightly planned, or a specification that does not cover all relevant requirements. A structured planning process prevents such cost traps.

How does ProLog handle vendor-neutral AGV planning?

Our planning process follows a clear step-by-step model: It begins with an AGV feasibility study, which provides you with an initial technical and economic assessment. This is optionally followed by an AGV simulation, which allows for the precise validation of material flows and the number of vehicles. Building on this, we create a manufacturer-neutral specification and assist you in evaluating bids so that you can truly compare offers from different manufacturers. The individual services fit together seamlessly—you can start with a modular approach or receive everything from a single source.

Can I use vehicles from different AGV manufacturers together?

Yes—provided the system is designed for this purpose from the outset. The VDA 5050 communication standard allows vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from different manufacturers to be operated within a single, overarching control system. ProLog Automation designs your system from the start to precisely meet both your short-term and long-term requirements.

How much does it cost to design an automated guided vehicle system?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the scope and complexity can vary greatly. As a starting point, we recommend the AGV feasibility study: It provides a thorough on-site analysis, a feasibility assessment, and an initial estimate of the number of vehicles and total investment—thereby laying the groundwork for all subsequent planning steps. Depending on the project, simulation, specification development, and bid evaluation may also be required. Contact us—after a brief initial consultation, we’ll provide you with a realistic overview.

For what company sizes and industries is AGV planning relevant?

AGVs are not a technology reserved solely for large corporations. ProLog Automation supports projects ranging from medium-sized manufacturing companies to automotive manufacturers and general contractors. The decisive factor is not the size of the company, but rather the question: Are there repetitive internal transport tasks that can be automated? If so, a feasibility study is usually worthwhile.

Prolog Expert Knowledge:

Brochure from Prolog Automation. The 7 Biggest Mistakes in Planning and Implementing an AGV Project.

The 7 biggest mistakes when planning and implementing an AGV project

Find out everything you need to know about the biggest mistakes when planning and implementing an AGV system and benefit from the experience of our experts. This white paper will increase the likelihood of a smooth implementation of your AGV project.

Customer feedback on our AGV services

I was particularly impressed by the detailed documentation of their maintenance intervention with repair. Every step was carefully recorded, which not only created transparency, but also enabled us to better understand the process and build on it in the future.

M. Christ, Aero Pump GmbH, manufacturer of pharmaceutical application systems

AGV Maintenance

With the AGV feasibility study, the on-site inspection, the determination of all relevant conditions as well as analysis and the transport matrix were created. Advice on technical and economic feasibility was particularly important for us, as the ROI is not given in this area of Groz-Beckert's work.

M.-A. Pfeffer, Groz Beckert KG, manufacturer of process-critical textile precision tools and industrial cutting solutions

FTS feasibility study

The service technicians who were made available to us in the current project were a fantastic fit, both in terms of their qualifications and on a personal level, very motivated and equipped with the necessary skills to provide our team with the best possible support. I would particularly like to emphasize that the structures and organization at ProLog Automation were always able to send the service technicians to Switzerland.

C. Eberle, Exotec Deutschland GmbH

AGV Maintenance

The AGV training enabled us to exchange technical information, discuss open questions on the implementation of AGVs, occupational safety and legal regulations and the AGV experts Volker Single and Holger Scholz were able to develop practical solutions together with the LISTA team.

A. Hembsch, CEO LISTA Germany

AGV Trainings

ProLog Automation has been supporting us in servicing and commissioning our automated guided vehicle systems for more than 5 years. We can always rely on ProLog's very reliable and highly trained team, with whose support we have recently successfully realized projects in Germany, Turkey, Egypt and the Netherlands.

A. Böttner, CEO ek robotics

AGV Commissioning

The topic of AGVs was new to us and we had no experience. The AGV feasibility study enabled us to familiarize ourselves in detail with all the issues relating to an automated guided vehicle system so that we could select the right manufacturer for us. Some of the highlights were the technical expertise and punctuality of the staff deployed on site. We were particularly satisfied with the reliability and clear communication during the entire course of the project.

R. Schalow, Rau GmbH, manufacturer of workplace equipment

FTS feasibility study

The practice-oriented and effective planning and advice has fully convinced us, although the desired product does not yet exist, we have a detailed and comprehensive overview with the feasibility study. I was particularly impressed by the expertise of the staff on site. We would like to emphasize the very good communication and punctuality. The schedule was always adhered to. Our idea of the service was fully realized. The next steps will follow with ProLog Automation.

R. Kowitz, Tourismus Marketing Service Büsum GmbH

FTS feasibility study

Thanks to the procedure with the FTS feasibility study, we have dealt with all the important questions! We were not previously aware of the extent of the criteria, such as what we need to consider in the event of a fire! The presentation of the advantages and disadvantages of the various systems was also particularly important.

Lars Thielke, Grohe AG, manufacturer of fittings and sanitary products

FTS feasibility study

Successful training of Pramac AGV Premium Partners: Our dealers are now fit to advise on our Lifter Mobile Robotics AGV solutions! Together with ProLog Automation, we have laid the foundations for a successful collaboration. "The opportunity to see the APTIX in action directly at ProLog has ideally combined theory with practice!" We look forward to the successful implementation of many projects!

Pramac, manufacturer of Lifter Mobile Robotics

AGV Trainings

ProLog Automation is a trusted partner that supports us in our customer projects. Their extensive expertise in the field of mobile robots and their wide range of services contribute significantly to the ongoing success of our robotics ecosystem approach. They ensure first-class support for sustainable results in a variety of project scenarios - with AnyFleet, the iw.hubs and our partner robots.

Adrian Litterst, Lead Strategic Partnerships, idealworks

AGV commissioning & AGV maintenance

"Absolutely professional and in tune with the times." The automation professionals from Neckar discussed the required points with us and implemented them in a targeted manner. During the project phase, ProLog identified other valuable aspects that contributed significantly to our success. The technical preparation was outstanding - well thought out, precise and tailored to our needs. ProLog was flexible and customer-oriented at all times. The kind of collaboration you want - efficient, based on partnership and with real added value.

Rating from even-logistics.com

Thomas Schütz, Technical Manager E. Breuninger, Department Store/Retail

AGV quote review & technical evaluation

Plan your AGV project

Are you ready to unlock the potential of AGVs for your business? Secure our“AGV feasibility study” service! You will receive an analysis of the current situation with an on-site appointment, a feasibility assessment for the implementation of an AGV system and advice on implementation. The final presentation includes recommendations on vehicle type, navigation, safety interventions, peripheral equipment and an estimate of the number of vehicles required and the total investment.

If you would like to talk about how our services can optimize your business processes, contact us now.

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