Internal handling evolves: Renova's approach between ergonomics and operational continuity

"Rising operational complexity and higher volumes are transforming internal flows into a lever for continuity, labor sustainability and reduced congestion within plants. SKU proliferation, omnichannel strategies, flexible production schedules and multi-shift operations are increasing pressure on material movements. Disruptions in these flows can slow production, increase Work-in-Progress (WIP) and create bottlenecks in critical areas."

"At the same time, several sectors are reducing the use of heavy vehicles near production. In automotive, pharma, food and packaging, forklifts are being replaced with lighter and more ergonomic solutions. Drivers include safety, congestion, space constraints and costs related to licensing, insurance and maintenance."

"Labor availability is another structural element. Repetitive manual handling requires physical force, increases injury risk and is difficult to sustain over three shifts. Improving ergonomics is no longer a collateral benefit but a way to protect uptime, reduce turnover and retain qualified personnel."

Internal material handling has transitioned from a secondary operational function to a strategic component of industrial systems. Rising complexity from SKU proliferation, omnichannel strategies, flexible production schedules, and multi-shift operations intensifies pressure on material movements. Disruptions in internal flows create bottlenecks and increase Work-in-Progress inventory. Manufacturing now requires frequent line supplies with product variants, increasing movement density. Multiple sectors are replacing heavy forklifts with lighter, ergonomic solutions due to safety concerns, congestion, space constraints, and operational costs. Labor availability and ergonomics have become critical factors, as repetitive manual handling increases injury risk and turnover. Automation adoption in internal logistics occurs incrementally rather than as an all-or-nothing transition to fully autonomous systems.

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