Issue 9 | 19.03.2024

Industry expos like the “LogiMAT” offer great opportunities for businesses looking to upgrade their operations with Mobile Robots. But with so many suppliers competing for attention, it can be overwhelming. That's why it's essential to use your time and resources wisely. In this article, we'll share our hacks as well as key question that can help you identify the most promising Mobile Robot supplier:

1. Day Zero Preparation:

• Start by researching and making a shortlist of suppliers that look promising to you.
   
• Schedule appointments with those suppliers before the fair. That’s the best way to ensure that you talk to an expert and that you are given the right attention.
   

2. Openers:

• Ask the supplier for their top three highlights to bypass unnecessary sales pitches.
   
• Inquire about the number of AGVs/AMRs already in operation as well as existing customer. This will help you to judge the supplier’s maturity.
   

3. Service and Support:

• Question the service and support network, including spare parts availability and response times.
   
• Request information on handling emergencies, such as system failures.
   

4. Certifications and Standards:

• Confirm if the provider is CE certified.
   
• Inquire about compliance with the VDA 5050 standard to ensure scalability and interoperability of the mobile robots.
   

5. Software Capabilities:

• Ask how many AGVs/AMRs are already controlled using VDA5050.
   
• Inquire about compatibility with master control providers for VDA 5050.
   
• Assess the flexibility of the Fleet Management System, particularly regarding layout changes and user control.
   

6. Infrastructure Changes:

• Seek information on any necessary changes to infrastructure when implementing AGVs/AMRs.
   
• Specifically, inquire about changes made by previous customers during implementation.
   

7. Pricing:

• While not urgent, inquire about pricing to ensure it aligns with your budget.
   
• Request a high-level overview of project costs based on past projects.
   
• Note: We recommend to leave in-depth price negotiations for a follow-up meeting after the fair.
   

8. Exploration and Flexibility:

• Leave room in your schedule for exploring unexpected opportunities and suppliers not on your initial list.
   

Conclusion:

Fairs and expos are a great opportunity to cast multiple promising suppliers in one day! The above hacks and questions have always helped us to stay on top of things and to maximize the insights from that day. We hope, they will also help you!

If you plan to visit this year’s “LogiMAT”, let us know! We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing some more tipps and tricks.