Smarter Maintenance, Stronger Manufacturing
Unlocking the Power of Panasonic’s O&M Solutions
In today’s evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, the pressure to stay competitive has never been greater, with the electronics and semiconductor market experiencing strong demand, particularly in defence, automotive, and AI sectors. However, rising energy costs, a shrinking skilled labour force, and increasing global competition are forcing manufacturers to rethink how they operate – and how they maintain their production lines.
In today’s evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, the pressure to stay competitive has never been greater, with the electronics and semiconductor market experiencing strong demand, particularly in defence, automotive, and AI sectors. However, rising energy costs, a shrinking skilled labour force, and increasing global competition are forcing manufacturers to rethink how they operate – and how they maintain their production lines.
This includes:
• Predictive Maintenance Software
• Machine Maintenance Contracts
• Head Refurbishment Programmes
• Annual and Regular Maintenance
• Maintenance Training Sessions
• Calibration Services (CeTaQ qualified)
• Feeder and Head Maintenance Units
• Software Maintenance Contracts
• Machine Software Licences
The Cost of Inaction
Downtime is prohibitively expensive. On average, a single hour of unplanned downtime can cost between €500 and €1,000, per production line. In a sector where margins are tight and demand is high; that’s a cost few manufacturers can afford. Yet, many still rely on reactive maintenance models, waiting for machinery to break before acting or following predetermined maintenance schedules.
Panasonic’s O&M offering reinvents this approach. Through predictive maintenance, regular servicing, and comprehensive support, manufacturers can avoid costly disruptions, extend machine life, and maximise return on investment.
Durability by Design
Panasonic’s SMT placement and printer machines – such as the NPM-W2, NPM-GW, and NPM-GP/L – are renowned for their durability and long-lasting performance.
Our recent case study with ZF Automotive’s UK factory best highlights the unrivalled reliability of our pick-and-place machines. With units such as the CM402 first installed in the mid-2000s – and still in operation today – ZF Automotive has taken advantage of over 150,000 hours of continuous operation. With other manufacturers’ solutions requiring regular maintenance, slowing production capacity and output, Panasonic’s reliability sets it apart in delivering robust, efficient manufacturing solutions.
However, even the most reliable machines need care. That’s why Panasonic offers a full suite of maintenance services designed to keep equipment running at peak performance for years to come.
From annual condition checks and calibration to daily maintenance recommendations and verified engineer support, Panasonic ensures that every machine continues to deliver high throughput, accuracy, and yield.
Head Refurbishment: Extending Value, Minimising Waste
One of the standout services in Panasonic’s O&M portfolio is its Head Refurbishment Program. Placement heads are built to last, but after 15,000 and 20,000 hours, more extensive refurbishment is required. This includes replacing solenoid valves, vacuum sensors and the theta belt – all of which undergo some wear and tear over the years.
Rather than replacing heads entirely, Panasonic offers a full refurbishment service at its Technical Centre in Budapest, including testing and pre-calibration. This results in extended machine lifecycles, consistent performance, and significant cost savings.
Bridging the Skills Gap
The electronics manufacturing sector is facing a talent crisis. An ageing workforce, low recruitment into STEM careers, and outdated training methods have created a shortage of skilled engineers – estimated to be over 75,000 by 2030[1]. Until the industry makes a quantum leap forward, in terms of filling open positions, this skills gap will continue to affect production and throughput.
Panasonic addresses this challenge head-on. Through training programmes at its Customer Experience Centres in Munich and Budapest, manufacturers can upskill their teams in everything from daily maintenance to advanced refurbishment techniques. For those who prefer to outsource, Panasonic’s dependable and responsive engineers are available to provide regular or annual maintenance, ensuring business continuity even in the face of staffing shortages.
[1] https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/european-chips-skills-academy-unveils-comprehensive-skills-strategy-to-boost-competitiveness-of-semiconductor-ecosystem?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Software Maintenance: The Hidden Hero
Hardware is only half the story. In today’s connected factories, software plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency, traceability, and optimisation. Panasonic’s Software Suite is a dynamic platform that supports everything from basic program creation and production monitoring to traceability, resource planning, and the creation of a digital twin for extensive planning tasks.
But without regular updates and support, even the best software can become a liability. That’s why Panasonic offers software maintenance contracts, ensuring that machines and software are always running the latest features, with 24/7 hotline support and remote troubleshooting included.
These contracts also cover licence transfers, upgrades, and even customised software for older equipment. This saves time, reduces costs, and helps to minimise operational disruptions.
A Trusted Partner for the Full SMT Lifecycle
Panasonic is more than a hardware supplier. It’s a long-term partner committed to supporting manufacturers across the entire SMT lifecycle, with each of its services designed to reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and lower total cost of ownership, whilst giving manufacturers the confidence to focus on their production needs.
Smarter Thinking for Smarter Factories
In an industry where every second counts, maintenance isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Panasonic’s O&M solutions empower manufacturers to move from reactive to predictive, from fragmented to connected, and from short-term fixes to long-term value.
Whether you’re a large-scale operation aiming for full factory autonomy or a smaller manufacturer focused on business continuity, Panasonic’s combination of reliable machines, expert support, and intelligent maintenance can help you stay ahead of the curve.
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