ESUK June21 p20_21 Cupio.pdf
Annual stock tak es become continuous monitoring 20 June 2021 • www .electronics-sourcing.co.uk Q&A Nordson’s head of sales, component counting, Björn Kronshage, introduces the benets of x-ray based component counti…
Annual stock takes
become continuous
monitoring
20 June 2021 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk
Q&A
Nordson’s head of sales, component counting, Björn Kronshage, introduces the benets of
x-ray based component counting technology
How has
component
counting technology
advanced and what are the
benets at goods-in?
The evolution of component
counting technology
is driven by changing
quantities, sizes and
packaging types. Large DIP
devices in tubes and PTH
resistors are relatively easy
to count. However, tens of
thousands of devices on
a reel makes counting by
eye difcult. It can be done
using a reel-to-reel counter
or weight measurement but
this is time consuming and
inaccurate. Hence the birth
of automated x-ray counters.
Some companies still
consider component
counting a chore, limiting
the task to ‘important’ or
‘expensive’ components
while leaving the smaller,
cheaper components to their
fate.
X-ray technology with image
recognition and counting
software is replacing the old,
physical, manual counting
methods. Modern systems
also eliminate handling
issues such as removing reels
from bags or unwinding/
rewinding reels. Processes
that used to take minutes
are now done in seconds,
with improved accuracy.
An annual stock take can
now become continual
monitoring.
Benets of modern counting
technologies include:
maximised component
ow to production lines;
a guarantee that the
components ordered and
received match; full, per
reel, traceability with unique
identiers; improved kitting
accuracy; reduced safety
stock and last-minute panic
orders.
When does it
make nancial
sense to invest in counting
technology and move the
process in house?
The following is a
comparison between
traditional reel-to-reel
counting and an Assure x-ray
counter.
Two hundred average size
reels will take between two
and 10 minutes each to
count manually. Assuming
a mean time of ve minutes
each, this gives a total of
about 17 hours or two
operating shifts just to count
the parts. Using Assure and
counting the same 200 reels,
the count can be completed
in about 35 minutes as it
takes 10 seconds per reel
regardless of size or part
quantity. Even considering
handling time on a manual
system, it would take 60 to
70 minutes for the 200 reels.
Generally, it can take
multiple people up to three
weeks to manually count
the same number of reels
that the Assure can count
in a single shift. Also, the
Assure will print labels and
update ERP/storage systems,
within 10 seconds, without
removing the reels from their
protective bags.
The ultimate contributing
factor for ROI is improved
assembly line efciency and
reduced machine downtime.
This is achieved with precise
inventory control and occurs
at surprisingly small stock
levels.
What advice would
you offer readers
considering investing
in component counting
technology?
When investigating the
move away from manual
inventory control, carefully
consider the overall process
before making decisions.
What are your current
storage methods and do
you need to automate this
process? If your stock is
manageable with manual
storage after counting do
you have an efcient method
for recording the stock and
ordering new?
Once you have a good
understanding of the process
ow you can investigate
the levels of automation in
the counting process. Most
systems cover the basics of
counting and will reduce
costs, time and errors.
Nordson’s head of sales, component
counting, Björn Kronshage
“”
X-ray technology with
image recognition
and counting
software is replacing
the old physical,
manual counting
methods
Q
Q
Q
June 2021 21
However, explore their
capabilities for smaller
components; how do they
handle odd shapes or
multi pins; are inspection
algorithms within the
software or will you need
‘specials’ programmed
for you. Then come
considerations regarding
automation (manual load to
conveyor belt), integration
into the ERP system; and
backup/support over
following years.
In short, look carefully
before deciding on a strategy
and counting system. What
appears to be the cheapest
isn’t always the cheapest and
it isn’t necessarily as simple
as it looks. All systems are
not the same.
What makes
Nordson Assure
stand out?
Data security is vital, so
everything is contained
within the system algorithms
removing the need for
libraries, updates or cloud
connection for programming
specials. The systems are
designed with a small
footprint, while offering
improved counting due to the
low parallax conguration.
The company offers a
exible range of systems,
from manual to complete
automation and storage.
www.cupio.co.uk
Q&A
Q
Beechwood, Chineham Business Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8WA
To find out more, get in touch today:
+44 (0)1256 262800 info@cupio.co.uk www.cupio.co.uk
Accurate Inventory
Knowledge is Key
One small component missing on a
production line means everything.
The Assure
™
Range from Nordson DAGE
®
is the complete counting solution for every
workflow, from walk up operator loading
to inline, operator free.
More intelligent – monitor and control away
from the line with Assure Remote Control Station
Simpler – complete operator free usage
Complete Trust – automatically sorts good reels
and those requiring checking
Faster – highest throughput; simply drop off reel
trolley and the count is automatic
Fully Automated Storage Solution – integrated conveyor
which feeds into a range of high capacity storage systems