The availability of accurate inventory levels is an important consideration for all manufacturers.
Do we have sufficient stock? Do we need to buy? If so, how many?
MRP in isolation only goes so far (and let’s not get into spreadsheets). This will provide a calculated number associated with any given part number but will not legislate for any production losses associated with machine setup or a runtime issue, for example.
As a result, physically counting stock back in from production allows the MRP to always reflect accurate stock levels, meaning that future purchases are precise, unplanned production stoppages are avoided, and accounts reporting is complete.
To assist this activity, we have recently taken delivery of a Seamark XC1000 X-ray component counter.
Counting a single reel used to take 3-4 minutes using a traditional counter. This system allows the counting of up to four 7” reels in around 12 seconds. In addition to this speed upgrade, the system automatically prints a label detailing the quantity of the parts on the reel. 13” reels are counted singly.
The system is equally capable of counting tubed and trayed devices, and even bulk parts in a bag, so long as they are on a single ‘layer’.
Additionally, we are able to ‘see through’ bags to confirm supplied quantities prior to opening the packaging. This can be useful if we have been supplied with cut strips, for example.
When Camtronics receives a free-issue kit, we have always checked the supplied quantities physically match those advised, to prevent production stoppages. Frequently, unexpected shortages are identified at this stage, usually because someone believed, “what it said on the reel”. The throughput boost provided by the Seamark allows us to provide feedback to our customer quicker than ever before, allowing them the maximum possible time to order the part, if necessary, and satisfy the shortage so delivery of the finished assembly is not delayed.
For procured items, which carry our in-house lot numbers embedded in a barcode, we are able to scan the counted part and the resulting label shows our internal part number in addition to the count quantity. When counting four reels at a time, the system detects which reel has been picked up after the count process and prints the label for that part in isolation, preventing labelling errors.
The introduction of the Seamark XC1000 has dramatically reduced the amount of (frankly, mundane) time spent counting items in stores, allowing that time to be redeployed on more interesting and value adding activities, whilst improving count accuracy to 99.9%.
In the words of our Stores Supervisor, “I absolutely love it”.
Discover how Camtronics can help your business flourish with our experienced team of engineers and electronics specialists. Contact us today at 01495 717222 for more information about EMS services.
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We’re happy to announce the installation of our brand-new Atlas Copco GA5 compressor! A big thank you goes out to Control Gear for all their help in selecting our compressor and their efficient service throughout the process. Their expertise made the installation seamless, and we really couldn’t be more pleased with the result.
When selecting a new compressor, we wanted something that aligned with our commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability. The Atlas Copco GA5 ticked all these boxes for us. ✅
We’re always looking for ways to implement more efficient hardware and practices and we really appreciated all the help Control Gear gave, especially during the installation. We’re looking forward to the many long-term benefits this investment will bring.
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After a successful partnership with the Development Bank of Wales, we now look ahead to continue our ambitious growth strategy after solidifying our position among the UK’s top Contract Electronic Manufacturers.
We received a £450,000 investment from the Development Bank of Wales in 2018 which marked a pivotal moment in our history. It enabled our Managing Director, Paul Macleur, to lead the management buy-out from Photonstar LED Group plc alongside Chris Gulliford and Linda Sterry. It also led us to the successful strategic partnership with Mark Pulman, as a Non-Executive Director, when he was introduced to us by the Development Bank. Mark will remain with the business.
The bank’s involvement was crucial in positioning Camtronics for long-term success. Our turnover has now doubled to £4 million, allowing us to continue to focus on innovation and quality in our electronic manufacturing services whilst also allowing us to expand the team to 38 internal employees.
After six years of successful collaboration, the Development Bank of Wales has exited its investment, leaving us at Camtronics to continue our growth independently. For Camtronics, this means we are now poised to keep accelerating our growth with renewed confidence.
Demand for reliable and advanced SMT technology and through-hole assembly is on the rise and we are fully aware and looking forward to this. Our Managing Director Paul Macleur said: “As we embark on the next stage of our growth, the time was right to reflect on how the support of the Development Bank has enabled us to build a strong foundation for the future. We have enjoyed the benefit of having an excellent working relationship with the team who have stood by us throughout, offering guidance and significant support in addition to funding. Together with Mark, they have helped with our strategic planning and long-term value creation which means that we are now in a position to buy them out. As the sole owners of the business, we are now well-placed to move forward and continue to grow our industry-leading services.”
We are still just as dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by adopting cutting-edge SMT technology and through hole assembly techniques. We are always looking for opportunities to invest in our machinery and technology to continue to meet the complex needs of our customers.
Our journey from receiving initial investment to embarking on an independent growth strategy is a powerful example of how strategic support and careful planning can drive success in the EMS industry. Leanna Davies, our Portfolio Development Manager with the Development Bank said: “With the support of Mark, Paul and the team have worked hard to create real value by diversifying and growing Camtronics as a leading electronics manufacturer. It is an excellent example of how our funds can be used to deliver long-term sustainable growth and our return will be recycled for the benefit of new customers.”
Read more“We have enjoyed an excellent commercial and technical relationship for 20 years with Camtronics. They have supported us in manufacturing and in continuously developing competitive products that keep us at the forefront of the industrial and automotive industry.”
Global industrial sensor & control company
“Throughout our ten-year partnership, we have always valued Camtronics’ commitment to flexibility and communication.
Their collaborative and proactive approach is a major benefit to us and we value the high quality of the increasing number of products they manufacture on our behalf”
Leading UK bio-pharma company
“Camtronics have handled small, one-off panel sample orders right through to large scale production volume orders … and deliveries have always been met.
Communication is a key aspect for us and we have entered into a strong working relationship, one that will hopefully last for a long time.”
Market leading industrial processing company
“Keep up the good work.”
UK based environmental science company
“We love you guys!”
Innovative data logger manufacturer