Digital Transformation in SMT Production – Efficient From Material to Machine

Client: Deltec

Product(s) supplied: SPG2 PanaCIM-EE Gen2: line management system NPM-WX NPM-W2 NPM-DX NPM-VF

Challenge

Deltec faced the challenge of making material availability and traceability in production both transparent and efficient. Without a unified central system, end-to-end traceability was impossible. Data had to be collected manually from multiple sources, making it difficult to measure KPIs and OEE. At the same time, unstructured material storage led to long search times and complicated kitting and production preparation. This lack of material availability on the production line was the leading cause of unplanned downtime and extended changeovers.

Solution

In collaboration with Panasonic Connect and its partners Inovaxe and B4Creation, Deltec implemented a fully end-to-end digital production and material management of Just in Time (JIT) / Just in Sequence (JIS) processes – covering everything from goods receipt and warehouse logistics to SMT and THT production, as well as manual and final assembly.

With PanaCIM Gen2 a software-supported material management system was introduced, complemented by machine-integrated traceability solutions and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, including KPI monitoring. The software enhances an existing infrastructure that has relied on Panasonic machines for over 25 years.

Deltec, based in Furth im Wald, Germany, is a leading EMS service provider specializing in high-quality electronic assemblies for industrial series production. The company focuses on the automotive, medical technology, and industrial sectors. To increase competitiveness, Deltec pursued a comprehensive digitalization strategy in production.

Rethinking Material Logistics – A System for Efficiency

As part of this transformation, an intelligent material management system was introduced by Panasonic Connect in partnership with Inovaxe. The goal was to fundamentally improve material handling and drastically reduce search times.

Additionally, the Kardex Pater Noster System was integrated as a central material storage– a vertical carousel storage solution that optimizes material availability on the shop floor while saving space.

By combining Inovaxe’s intelligent storage technology with PanaCIM software and Panasonic’s placement solutions, Deltec now benefits from:

Dramatically shorter material search and kitting times through pick-by-light guidance and structured storage.
Error-proof material loading thanks to reel verification and smart location tracking.
Optimized inventory levels with real-time consumption monitoring and automated cycle counting.
Reduced WIP and floor space usage, maximizing production efficiency.

With the PanaCIM software integration, all materials are clearly identified the moment they are received. Material Control continuously calculates upcoming material requirements based on the production plan (JIS), while Inovaxe ensures just-in-time (JIT) delivery - often within only a few hours before production begins.

At the line side, material quantities are minimized to exactly what is needed for the next scheduled jobs. Smart shelves are directly connected to the Panasonic machines, automatically triggering replenishment requests and highlighting the required materials instantly through sensor and pick-to-light technologies.

The Reel ID enables seamless tracking of material consumption as well as actual available quantities on Reel. PanaCIM then prioritizes partial reels, expiring soon FEFO and FIFO based on component manufacturing dates. As the master or material flow,

PanaCIM knows each and every reel location (received, in the KARDEX, in the smart supermarket of Inovaxe, next to the line, mounted on a feeder or running into a machine) and component quantity in real-time.

For predictive production planning, order-related material reservations are supported. Materials can be pre-reserved using the Reel ID, allowing shortages to be identified in advance.

"The PanaCIM solution is a game-changer for our employees. You can see exactly where the material is located and prepare it efficiently. As a result, picking times have been drastically reduced."

At the same time, inventory levels are continuously reconciled with data from the production machines. This reduces the effort required for stocktaking and creates a stable, audit-proof database for materials management.

Traceability at the Highest Level

Beyond material logistics, a central traceability solution was a key part of the digital transformation strategy. Together with its partner B4Creation, Panasonic Connect implemented a new THT line including the odd shape placer NPM-VF with machine-integrated traceability. The associated TBD software has been in continuous operation at Deltec (24 hours a day, six days a week) since mid-2024.

The TBD software streamlines manufacturing by minimizing manual data entry, automating processes, and ensuring traceability. Features such as automatic product configuration, intelligent defect detection, and flexible material and plant management help reduce downtime and maintain product quality. Operators and technicians receive live feedback, allowing for rapid response.

At Deltec, all relevant production data – from component positions and program parameters to offset values – is recorded in a standardized way and stored centrally. This creates a complete digital process history that can be accessed and analyzed at any time, meeting the strict requirements of regulated industries such as medical technology and automotive.

A particular focus is the automated generation of KPIs. Performance metrics, First Pass Yield (FPY), and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) are continuously calculated, providing a critical basis for process optimization and quality assurance.

"The automated KPI generation gives us full transparency of our production performance at all times and immediately highlights where we need to take action to further improve quality and efficiency."

High-End SMT Line for Maximum Productivity

As part of the digital transformation, SMT production was modernized. The new line features a high-precision SPG2 solder paste printer, and several Panasonic placement machines (NPM-W2, NPM-WX, and NPM-DX). These systems allow flexible and scalable production while maintaining high speed and reliability.

All placement processes are continuously monitored through specialized software. The integrated Feeder Maintenance Tool manages maintenance: if a feeder exceeds a preset number of picks, it is automatically locked, calibrated, and released after successful testing. Thanks to seamless integration with the PanaCIM system, all relevant data is available digitally.

Future-Proof Production Across 30,000 Square Meters

Since 1998, Deltec has been using Panasonic technology across more than 30,000 square meters at its Furth im Wald site. The company, employing around 300+ employees, serves demanding customers in the automotive, medical technology, and industrial sectors. The introduction of Panasonic Connect's digital production solutions represents a crucial step toward making manufacturing processes more efficient, transparent, and scalable for the long term.

Digital Transformation in SMT Production – Efficient From Material to Machine

Challenge

Solution

Rethinking Material Logistics – A System for Efficiency

Traceability at the Highest Level

High-End SMT Line for Maximum Productivity

Future-Proof Production Across 30,000 Square Meters

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