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.