Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1527276
58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2024 Article by Josh Casper HORIZON SALES e push toward automation in electronics manufacturing has led to significant improve- ments in SMT and through-hole technol- ogy (THT) production. Today's manufactur- ers are outfitted with precision pick-and-place machines, sophisticated inspection systems, and advanced solder deposition solutions. ese investments reflect a broader industry trend toward automating high-value produc- tion tasks to boost efficiency, improve qual- ity, and reduce headcount in a shrinking labor market. While the spotlight has rightly focused on automating SMT production, one crucial area remains woefully under-invested: materi- als storage and handling. is oversight is particularly concerning given the critical role that materials manage- ment plays in the overall manufacturing pro- cess. Materials—such as SMT/THT compo- nents, bare boards, and solder paste—are the lifeblood of production. How they are stored, tracked, and deployed directly impacts the effectiveness of the entire operation. Here, we'll explore the impact of material handling UNTAPPED POTENTIAL: Automating Warehouse Management Into the Present