How MOVU scaled R&D at lightning speed with on-site support
The challenge
MOVU specializes in warehouse automation solutions, offering modular systems such as automated mobile robots (AMR) and pallet shuttles. Its goal is to help businesses in shipping, e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals automate their operations efficiently with scalable solutions that meet diverse customer needs.
To build on early successes and expand its product line, MOVU faced the challenge of turning prototypes into market-ready products, speeding up its time-to-market, and scaling its business quickly. Furthermore, MOVU needed a product lifecycle management (PLM) system to support development processes and enhance product management. With a tight timeline, they needed many new employees who could immediately contribute. The in-house R&D team at the time was too small to meet these demands, and external support was required to ensure they could maintain momentum and successfully launch new products.
Approach & solution
To help MOVU scale its product line efficiently, our on-site consultants are embedded directly in the R&D team, tackling both immediate technical challenges and broader structural improvements. We didn’t just focus on the core automation devices but also worked on the entire ecosystem including chargers, operator interfaces, docking stations, and other supporting equipment, ensuring a seamless, fully integrated solution.
Starting with small, actionable issues, we quickly provided value while simultaneously helping to introduce a more uniform way of working across the expanding product line. As the team grew, establishing efficient workflows became crucial. By drawing on insights and best practices from previous projects, our consultants could give different insights on structuring design processes, standardizing components, and implementing a streamlined approach to product development.
Impact & results
Our ongoing on-site support has already proved highly successful. Several automation solutions that our consultants contributed to have now been launched, including:
- Escala: A cutting-edge 3D automated storage and retrieval system designed for seamless scalability. With on-the-fly recharging, it ensures 24/7 operations without downtime, making it a game-changer for retail, e-commerce and pharmaceutical logistics.
- Atlas: A high-performance pallet shuttle system that maximizes storage efficiency. Its dual-wheel system and deep-lane access optimize warehouse space while its seamless Warehouse Management System integration enhances usability.
Beyond product development, our consultant’s expertise helped streamline workflows through the PLM system, improving efficiency as the team expanded. With quick onboarding and deep industry knowledge, they became a vital part of the R&D team, not only solving technical challenges but also bringing best practices from previous projects.
Key takeaways
- Seamless integration & rapid impact: By embedding an on-site consultant, MOVU immediately strengthened its R&D capacity, accelerating product development. With experience from Verhaert On-site Consulting, the consultant quickly integrated into the team, providing immediate support and expertise.
- Efficient knowledge transfer: Our consultant’s experience from previous automation projects enabled quick onboarding and direct knowledge sharing. This helped MOVU not only solve technical issues but also refine their way of working, making their development process more efficient.
- Flexible team scaling: On-site consultancy allowed MOVU to rapidly expand its team without the long hiring process. This adaptable approach ensured they had the right expertise at the right time.
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