The smart way to automate: Lease transport robots instead of buying them

Automated guided vehicles can perform a variety of tasks and functions in logistics. Are you considering purchasing a mobile robot but put off by the high investment costs? SAFELOG and its leasing partner CHG-Meridian AG have the solution: renting instead of buying. 

Advantages compared to the purchase of driverless transport vehicles

Investing in new mobile robots can tie up a lot of capital, which has an impact on a company’s liquidity. Financing with fixed monthly installments therefore offers clear advantages: 

• Capital expenditure (CapEx) can be used for other purposes, thus increasing operational capability and securing future revenue
• Advance payments are covered 
• Payment does not commence until final acceptance of the project
• The leasing company bears residual value risk and assumes utilisation of the assets upon return. Consequently, the customer only pays parts of the costs over the defined period.
• The ROI begins on day 1
• Simplified budget approvals
• Calculable costs per calender year

What exactly does the leasing offer include?

We always consider the project as a whole. The leasing offer from CHG-MERIDIAN AG includes the purchase of the vehicle (hard costs), as well as peripherals such as industrial computers, chargers and transfer stations, if desired. In addition, the costs of software, project management and commissioning are covered — the so-called ‘soft costs’. Ultimately, as with a regular project purchase from SAFELOG, the lease covers much more than just the transport vehicle. 

Project process after deciding to invest

If you are interested in a project involving our mobile robots, we will be happy to prepare a quote for you in collaboration with CHG-MERIDIAN. Once the basic questions regarding payment modalities, down payments and other details have been clarified, you will conclude a leasing contract with CHG-MERIDIAN AG. The down payment, which is due upon conclusion ft he contract, can also be included in the leasing rate. 

Start of instalment payment

We will deliver the mobile transport robots ordered by CHG-MERIDIAN and begin implementing the project. You only pay the first instalment once you have approved the completed work. This means that you do not have to make any advance payments. 

Determining the leasing instalments

 The amount of the monthly instalments depends on several factors. The total investment amount is one factor, as is the ratio of hard to soft costs. The leasing rate is also influenced by the level of the capital market in the respective country, the desired term, and the lessee’s creditworthiness. 

Term

The contract term is usually 48 to 60 months. 

What happens at the end of the term?

 At the end of the initial rental period, you can choose whether to continue renting the mobile robots. If required, you can return the vehicles and rent new robot models with the latest technology. This allows you to benefit from technical progress and always use state-of-the-art equipment. Alternatively, you can continue to use the existing fleet of robots, in which case the contract is simply extended. You also have the option of taking over the transport robots at the end of the leasing contract. 

Choice between different financing models

 In most cases, the monthly installment amount is fixed. This makes the leasing model comparable to a car or forklift truck leasing contract. With this classic financing concept, there is partial amortization because the lessee does not bear the full cost over the term. CHG-MERIDIAN bears the investment risk. 

 However, a pay-per-use model is also possible. With this model, you only pay when you use the vehicle, depending on factors such as the number of operating hours or the number of pallets transported. This protects your liquidity and gives you more flexibility.  

 Consequently, the leasing company offers flexible models that can be adapted to your needs. For instance, you can pay higher rates initially and reduce them over time. 

Flexibility and a fast return on investment

 If you want to integrate additional objects or services during the term and expand the scope of the project, that is not a problem. The leasing rate will be adjusted accordingly. This way, you benefit from maximum flexibility and a fast return on investment. Since you don’t have to make a down payment for our projects and only pay your first leasing rate upon acceptance, you will achieve an ROI on day one. 

Special Case: Sale and Lease Back

 Mobile robots that are already in stock can be sold to the leasing company and then leased again. First, you receive a certain amount, which depends on the residual book value or market value. Then, the term and installments are determined accordingly. This increases your liquidity and allows you to allocate your financial resources elsewhere. This model can be used for not only mobile transport robots but also forklift trucks, cobots, computers, shelving, and other equipment. 

Conclusion: From Capital to Operational Expenditure

 You face the daily challenge of efficiently using your available capital. Together with our partner, CHG Meridian, we can help. The financing model presented here converts CapEx into OpEx. Rather than one-time capital expenditures, recurring expenditures are made to ensure a functioning operational business.   

Who is CHG-MERIDIAN AG?

CHG-MERIDIAN AG is a global provider of utilization models for technologies in the IT, industry, and healthcare sectors. Headquartered in Weingarten, Germany, the company has around 1,400 employees in over 30 countries. Its main focus is on Europe and the Americas, but it is also currently developing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.