Scalable automation for efficient electronics manufacturing

At this year’s IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, the cts group is presenting its solutions for the “Smart Electronics Factory” – scalable automation to optimize processes in electronics manufacturing. The focus of the trade fair appearance, which is themed “Automation Stuck at Your Standards? We push boundaries!”, is on the modular Smart Warehouse lines that maximize storage capacity for electronic components and ensure a seamless material flow, resulting in minimized downtime and increased throughput. The one stop solutions provider cts and its partner IndPro, a specialist for improving efficiency in warehouse and distribution centers, can be found at booth #4233 from March 18-20, 2025.

The electronics industry in the United States faces immense challenges. A shortage of skilled workers and manual processes are causing inefficiency, unnecessary costs and weakening competitiveness. One area particularly affected is material logistics. The introduction of automation can address these issues, but many companies are put off by the high initial investment and the complex system changes that conventional solutions require. cts, a full-service provider of customized automation and digitalization headquartered in Germany, will be demonstrating at IPC APEX EXPO that there is another way – with flexible, scalable systems that need little implementation effort and can grow with the dynamic demands of a modern production environment.

“Our Smart Warehouses are modular storage solutions for e.g. 50,000+ SMT-Reels or 2,000+ PCB magazines, trays, containers and KLTs – all in one system. Of course, a start with smaller scale versions is easily possible.”, explains Alfred Pammer, VP Sales & Marketing. “They require up to 40% less space than other solutions, allowing more storage without additional storage areas.”

Moreover, their high degree of automation in storage and delivery not only means fewer error-prone manual steps and less dependence on staff shortages, but process stability and a precise, fast material supply from the warehouse to the SMT line. Seamless integration with AMRs from Omron, Agilox, MiR and other manufacturers additionally contributes to this efficient material transfer. The intelligent systems also enable real-time tracking from warehouse to production line and back. This allows supply chain data and factory operations to be better synchronized, which in turn supports predictive inventory management that avoids overstocking, material shortages and delays. 

Designed for customization

One of the biggest advantages of the cts storage solution, however, is that it is truly customized automation. Thanks to their modular design, the Smart Warehouses are fully scalable in terms of capacity and functionality. This means that the initial investment can be kept low with a “small” system that can easily be expanded to meet demand fluctuations and higher production requirements, if necessary. A larger entry-level system is also possible, for example, to efficiently manage the complexity of large-scale electronics production. What also contributes to the solutions flexibility is that it can be easily integrated into the transport processes of existing production lines thanks to adaptable AMR top modules, and connection to existing ERP and MES systems is just as simple.

Local expertise for comprehensive service

“Apart from the technology itself, we facilitate the entry into the automation of material logistics by offering everything from a single source. Our customers benefit from the local expertise, technical know-how and comprehensive range of services offered by our close partner IndPro. Since the early 1990s, they have been supporting American companies in planning and implementing the best possible automation and robotics for their warehouse and distribution centers. Together we deliver end-to-end solutions from consulting and implementation to optimization and support. This means that our customers have one point of contact for everything and the whole process fits together perfectly,” emphasizes Alfred Pammer.

Source: i40today.com