ADCO Circuits, a Rochester Hills-based electronic manufacturing service (EMS), has acquired seven automated vertical storage system modules that are designed to maximize efficiency and help ensure on-time, accurate delivery of parts.
“As our business has continued to increase, managing ever-increasing SKUs efficiently had to keep pace,” says Marc Damman, vice president of sales for ADCO. “We knew there had to be a better way to improve efficiency while protecting our workers and components. This automated system has been a game-changer for ADCO and our customers.”
ADCO’s vertical storage systems were developed to retrieve parts in seconds, improving the speed and flow of components to assembly lines. Each vertical lift module comprises shifting trays arranged on both the front and back of the storage system.
The retrieval mechanism is responsible for tray picking, vertical handling, delivery, and ensuring subsequent component replacement within the structure.
Adding automation to the part-handling process should allow ADCO employees to eliminate wasted time putting away and picking components for new jobs.
Customers also could receive faster lead times and fewer surprises of unexpected shortages. The system is engineered to give ADCO’s workers the benefit of improved ergonomics, as inventory is delivered to a safe waist-height level following OSHA recommendations.
Employees reduce the amount of bending, lifting, and reaching, which helps to protect them from potential injury.
The vertical storage system also should enhance ADCO’s inventory control and component security. Employees can track inventory by SKU, description, quantity, FIFO, minimum levels, or a photo database.
The lockable storage system protects sensitive electronic subassemblies from light, dust, and ESD, so components aren’t at risk of damage from overvoltage. Electronic or mechanical systems provide an automatic audit trail of activity, and ADCO can limit access to specific inventory via secure areas that require unique login credentials.
“Our facility and equipment are critical to maintaining a customer-centered culture of innovation and excellence,” says Damman. “As technology continues to advance … we must keep pace. We already have top-notch people and processes. Capital investments like our vertical storage system are another key piece of the customer service puzzle.”
