Armed Forces Commissariat Logistics Facility: Toward More Efficient, Automated, and Autonomous Military Logistics
Armed Forces Commissariat Logistics Facility: Toward More Efficient, Automated, and Autonomous Military Logistics
Equans Digital carried out the robotic modernisation of ELOCA with the goal of increasing the armed forces’ production capacity while improving quality, traceability, and working conditions at the site
The Armed Forces Logistics Agency (ELOCA) in Angers, a strategic player in the operational support of the French armed forces, handles the packaging, storage, and distribution of food rations for military personnel. With more than 17,000 m² of logistics infrastructure, the site plays an essential role in the armed forces’ supply chain. Faced with increasing operational needs, the obsolescence of certain equipment, and the need to expand industrial capacity, ELOCA launched a major transformation program aimed at modernizing its production lines and logistics flows.
To address this strategic challenge, Equans Digital designed and deployed a comprehensive solution combining industrial robotics, automation, machine vision, intralogistics, and process digitisation, as part of a public contract awarded by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The Challenges of ELOCA: Modernising a Strategic Logistics Infrastructure for the Armed Forces
The project had several major objectives:
- To modernise production facilities and replace equipment that had become obsolete.
- Increase production capacity to meet the growing needs of the armed forces.
- Streamline logistics flows and optimise warehousing and inventory management operations.
- Automate low-value-added operations to reduce the physical strain on operators.
- Enhance quality and traceability through automated checks.
- Turn the facility into a true Industry 4.0 showcase for the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
A global industrial transformation driven by robotics and automation
To support this modernisation, Equans Digital has rolled out a comprehensive program covering the entire production and logistics chain for military rations.
In particular, our teams have ensured:
- Replacement and modernisation of existing robots.
- Integration of new product distribution equipment.
- Replacement of the checkout and ration-sealing stations.
- Complete modernisation of automation and control systems.
- Eliminating the most tedious manual checks.
- Implementation of machine vision systems.
- Automatic detection of non-conformities.
- Automated ejection of products that do not meet quality criteria.
- Creation of automated storage and retrieval zones.
- Automated management of single-menu cartons and multi-menu pallets.
- Reorganisation and optimisation of logistics flows.
- Reduction of manual handling and improvement of operational safety.
- Integration with the existing production tracking ERP system.
- Ration traceability management.
- Centralisation of industrial data for better operational management.
Recognised expertise in robotics to transform defense industry sites
The ELOCA project demonstrates Equans Digital’s ability to design and deploy large-scale robotic solutions that integrate automation, machine vision, automated quality control, and smart intralogistics. These concrete achievements enable organizations to produce faster, with a high level of quality and greater control over their operations.
The deployed solution notably includes:
- 13 Stäubli industrial robots
- 8 Modula vertical storage systems
- 3 automated linear axes
- New automation and monitoring systems
- Retrofitting of existing strategic equipment
The entire system was designed, developed, and commissioned with a focus on operational continuity and in accordance with the specific requirements of defense environments.
Tangible Results for Military Performance
Thanks to the comprehensive modernisation of its production lines and logistics processes, ELOCA now has a more efficient, more reliable industrial infrastructure that is better suited to the operational requirements of the armed forces. The integration of robotics, automation, and automated quality control solutions has significantly increased production capacity while ensuring a high level of quality, traceability, and equipment availability.
The facility is capable of processing up to 7,200 rations per day, enabling it to sustainably support the increasing needs of the armed forces.
Automated operations and quality controls using machine vision ensure more consistent quality and a significant reduction in the risk of errors.
The new automated systems reduce unnecessary travel, improve product flow, and optimise feed storage.
Repetitive and tedious tasks have been automated, allowing operators to focus on tasks with higher added value.
ELOCA: Key Figures for a Robotics Project Supporting the Armed Forces
Are you looking to modernise your critical industrial infrastructure?
In response to the challenges of reindustrialisation, performance, and sovereignty, Equans Digital designs and deploys robotics, automation, monitoring, and digitalisation solutions tailored to critical defense environments. Learn how our experts can support your strategic projects.Are you looking to modernise your critical industrial infrastructure?
In response to the challenges of reindustrialisation, performance, and sovereignty, Equans Digital designs and deploys robotics, automation, monitoring, and digitalisation solutions tailored to critical defense environments. Learn how our experts can support your strategic projects.