48% More Throughput: Immediate Results at RMR Solutions

Prior to automation, RMR Solutions relied on manual labor to repackage products for retailers and Amazon. A dedicated team of five to six employees handled thousands of cases each day, moving boxes that weighed about 10 pounds each. While the process was effective, it placed significant physical demands on the team and limited the company’s ability to scale efficiently.

Looking to enhance output while improving ergonomics for its employees, RMR partnered with ARC Engineering Solutions to evaluate its options. Rather than starting with technology, the teams focused first on defining goals and identifying the right place to begin. As a company new to automation, RMR needed a solution that could integrate easily into its existing operation and support employees working alongside new technology.

The solution centered on a FANUC CRX collaborative robot, selected for its emphasis on safety and ergonomics. Designed to work alongside people, the CRX fit well within RMR’s available floor space and made the transition to automation more manageable. ARC Engineering paired the robot with custom end-of-arm tooling to handle multiple case sizes and support efficient changeovers.

Programming changes can be made directly at the master board, eliminating the need to frequently change tooling and reducing downtime during line changeovers. This flexibility allowed RMR to treat the cell as a one-size fits all packaging solution across a variety of products.

Since implementation, RMR Solutions has seen measurable results. Best day output increased from about 2,500 cases to an average of roughly 3,700 cases per day. The company also experienced a significant reduction in employee turnover, with only one departure in the past 12 months compared to quarterly turnover previously.

The collaborative automation project has helped RMR remain consistent and effective across production, quality control, warehouse organization and shipment priorities. With discussions already underway for a second phase, the FANUC solution provides not only immediate gains, but a strong foundation for long-term growth.

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Before we had the cobot in place, we were doing around 2,500 cases on our best day. We are averaging pretty consistently around 3,700 cases a day now.

Emily Mayer Vice President – RMR Solutions