Automation is often associated with complex software, extensive traffic rules, and complicated logistic processes. At Dumaco in ‘s-Gravenpolder, they have been demonstrating for years that there is another way.
In fact, they may well be the prime example of how to automate internal logistics by keeping things as simple as possible. Every week, thousands of order lines are processed, supported by a simple, well-organized, and reliable internal transport system.
A customer from the very beginning, and as far as we’re concerned, a prime example of how automation doesn’t have to be complicated.
Dumaco
Dumaco is a supplier to the manufacturing industry and produces laser-cut parts from sheet metal and tubing. With a modern machine park, four linked laser cutting machines, two standalone flatbed lasers, and a central warehouse with over 300 storage locations, thousands of order lines are processed every week.
In addition to an efficient production process, this also requires efficient internal logistics.
Every day, pallets loaded with parts must be transported on carts from the sorting department to the logistics department. Each one is a simple transport task, but they happen hundreds of times a day.
As Armando aptly puts it: “If I had agreed to every request for an extra forklift, we’d have twenty forklifts driving around here by now.”
From forklift to AGV…
Instead of adding more forklifts, Dumaco opted for a different approach. Together with KUMATECH, they explored how these repetitive transport movements could be automated as simply as possible.
The result? Three Tractor Toms that continuously follow their route in a loop between the various departments and the shipping department.
Does an operator need to transport something? If so, they can easily attach a transport cart at any time, after which the AGV continues its route. If there is nothing to transport at that moment, the AGV simply continues its way. This ensures that the AGVs are always available, without employees having to wait or perform complicated tasks.
No complex software.
No complicated controls.
Just a logistics system that runs continuously.
…and later the Pallet Dispenser
“In a business, you’r never really done optimizing.”
After laser cutting, the parts are sorted, and that remains a manual process. But it was precisely around and between those workstations empty pallets had to be continuously brought in and full pallets taken away. That meant a lot of physical labor and constant forklift traffic among the operators.
That’s why the next step was taken: the Pallet Dispenser.
As a result, operators no longer have to move or carry pallets themselves. Empty pallets are always available when needed, and the number of forklift movements on the workplace has decreased significantly.
This not only reduces the physical strain on employees but also creates a safer and more organized work environment.
As Armando points out: “This prevents our coworkers from developing back problems, and they can get back to work faster without needing a forklift.”
KIS in practice
For us, Dumaco is the prime example of how automation doesn’t have to be complicated. Not by adding increasingly complex systems, but by eliminating the biggest logistical bottlenecks step by step.
First, automate repetitive transport movements with AGVs. Then, make pallet logistics safer, more ergonomic, and more efficient with a Pallet Dispenser.
The result is a process in which employees can focus on their own work, while repetitive and physically demanding transport tasks are performed automatically. It demonstrates that automation is primarily about intelligently supporting employees in their daily work, rather than replacing people.
Trust that proves itself
The partnership between Dumaco and KUMATECH goes back many years. Dumaco is therefore one of our earliest clients.
Back then, we weren’t yet the established name we are today, but from the very beginning, there was confidence in our vision and approach. The focus wasn’t on the technology itself, but on our shared ambition to create a practical solution that delivers reliable performance every day.
That trust has proven itself in practice. Even after all these years, the AGVs still travel their regular routes every day and remain a reliable link in the production chain. The Pallet Dispenser, which was added later, also fits seamlessly into that same philosophy: a robust and well-designed solution that performs reliably every day.