How we make logistics
in
electronics production easier
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About CompControl
We are the only manufacturer in Europe delivering a holistic logistics solution in the fi eld of modern electronics production. To do this, CompControl has had all kinds of know-how for over three decades and knows very quickly what its clients need. As a consequence, CompControl is able to guarantee the seamless and tailor-made integration of its software and hardware solutions from the delivery of goods to the incoming goods through the storage of building components to the production line of the electronic assemblies.
Our customers come from the automotive, safety and medical technology sectors and wherever quality level one applies. So if you are looking for an absolute expert in electronics manufacturing for integrated storage, logistics and traceability solutions, then talk to us.
CompControl is a relevant partner for logistics companies in electronics manufacturing because:
- At the push of a button, they know the exact quantity stock and can plan the production in an absolutely precise manner.
- Thanks to the transparent traceability on every manufacturer’s batch they enjoy security in terms of warranty.
- They create the interfaces between the machine and ERP world.
"We occupy a market niche."
Interview with Christoph Limpert, Managing Director of CompControl
Christoph Limpert is Managing Director of CompControl. In this interview, he explains the special strengths of his company, how with these strengths you can face the challenges in the electronics industry, and why and how artificial intelligence may support the operations when it comes to the incoming goods.
Mr. Limpert, when was CompControl founded and how did you get started?
As a German limited, GmbH, CompControl has existed since 2004. We started with our own system for incoming goods. After that, on this basis, we developed a complete warehouse logistics traceability system for electronics production. There is nobody else offering such a system as holistically and as specifically for the electronics industry as we do. This is how we occupy a market niche.
How so?
The large ERP providers such as SAP, Navision or proALPHA are very broadly positioned for many different branches of the industry and do not deal with the particular requirements in electronics manufacturing. And the world of machines on the other hand has nothing to do with the ERP systems. We see ourselves as the interface between these two worlds.
What are the particular requirements of the electronics industry?
Companies need transparency in their warehouses. Materials are usually purchased there on the basis of batches. However, very often there are several incoming batches so that it must be clarified whether the correct material was delivered. Sometimes, there can just be tiny differences – in other words, a resistance with a five percent tolerance instead of a one percent tolerance is accidentally installed. This aspect is not noticed at first because everything works. But it can result in far-reaching consequences in the field.
Can you give me an example?
We once had the case of a manufacturer having the wrong tolerance resistance. After a few months, the electronics went off-line. And with our system, we were able to trace back the component. If this is not feasible, this can result in serious issues when it comes to the warranty.
As it is the case for other industries, the electronics industry is actually facing supply issues. How important is transparency in this context?
For companies, it is essential to know how much material of which material number they still have in stock. In the past, a lot of work was outsourced to external service providers. However, especially the big manufacturers are now turning back this development by rebuilding up their own warehouses. In this context, the notice that transparency is what really counts at the moment. For in the past, it didn't matter whether you had 20 or 30 rolls of a certain material. However, since the material has become scarce, this has changed. In this case, what is particularly helpful is our machine coupling.
What do you mean by that?
Our system is networked with the production machines transmitting the information in real time. For example: When was which product manufactured? What is the production cycle rate? When did errors occur? As a consequence, the user always has the current quantity stock and can place an order in time if the minimum stock is not reached. Many who do not work with our system do not know that they must place an order. They only realize that material is missing when they want to produce something.
This is why the rely on Industry 4.0. How difficult is the implementation of such concepts?
Unfortunately, the required standards are missing in both the ERP and machine worlds. However, it is one of our particular strengths that we build our own connectors by adapting them to the individual circumstances. For our clients, this is one of the reasons why they choose us.
Is CompControl only the technology supplier in such projects?
We not only provide companies with the technologies, but also with process consulting. And the clients are very satisfied with it because we have gained a lot of experience in a wide variety of projects. Our clients include big companies such as Festo or Miele as well as medium-sized companies such as the companies VOSCH or CICOR from Switzerland, for which we have implemented a fully automated system.
That sounds like big tasks for CompControl.
I am often asked about it and then I say: "We love and live this challenge and offer the required flexibility which distinguishes us.“ We currently have around 200 clients around the globe, and this is a huge number. This is also the reason why I am very proud of my team. All our employees have been around for a long time now and have a great desire to make a difference together with our clients.
What can we expect from CompControl in the future?
There are two things we are working on right now. One is a pick-by-light system we would like to install individually on existing shelves. By means of LEDs, the said system shows a user where to find a specific material or free areas when he wants to take something off.
And what is the second innovation?
We are currently working very hard on the use of artificial intelligence provided through the cloud. To mention an example, this includes an application in which the system automatically finds the correct order when a delivery note is scanned. This means that during the coming years you can expect a lot from CompControl.