Increased production scale in electronics manufacturing is always a win—but as engineers and technicians, we know that new contracts bring serious operational challenges. When the shop floor accelerates, warehouse logistics cannot afford to lag behind. At Nordes, we understand that the heart of modern Contract Electronics Manufacturing (EMS) isn’t just about having the fastest assembly lines. True efficiency begins in the warehouse.
That is why we are proud to announce the next step in our evolution: the rollout of Logistics 4.0. In collaboration with the automated logistics experts at Logster, we have integrated advanced vertical lift modules (VLMs) from the renowned Ferretto brand into our facility. Our warehouse is no longer just a storage space; it has become an intelligent organism actively driving our production lines.
Overcoming the Challenges of Rapid Growth
Anyone working on a high-tech electronics manufacturing floor knows that timing and precision are everything—and human error comes at a massive cost. As our order book grew at Nordes, we identified four critical bottlenecks requiring a modern solution:
- Space constraints: The urgent need to maximise our existing warehouse footprint.
- Kitting delays: Increasing retrieval times when prepping components for assembly stations.
- Inventory tracking: The challenge of instantly locating thousands of tiny components on component reels.
- ESD risks: The constant threat of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damaging highly sensitive, costly integrated circuits.
The answer was clear: comprehensive automation of our internal logistics. Instead of expanding our physical footprint with costly new builds, we decided to grow upwards, embedding smart factory technologies directly into our setup.
The “Goods-to-Person” Model: How Our Vertical Lift Modules Work
Forget the traditional image of a warehouse picker walking miles of aisles, clipboard in hand, hunting for a single reel of resistors. By deploying Ferretto automatic vertical lift modules (VLMs), we have transitioned to a seamless “goods-to-person” workflow where the stock comes to the operator.
A vertical lift module is a fully enclosed, high-bay storage system where an internal extractor travels vertically between trays.
The Power of Vertical Density: Each of our new VLMs features 27 trays, with each tray offering 3.5 m² of storage space. In total, this delivers nearly 200 m² of dedicated storage for micro-components—maximised entirely within a vertical footprint.
This system is fully integrated with our ERP software, meaning it knows exactly which components are required for the next production run. At the touch of a button, the extractor automatically locates the correct tray and delivers it straight to the access window at an ergonomic working height. No wasted steps, no downtime—just pure automated efficiency.
The Three Pillars of Nordes Logistics: Speed, Precision, and Protection
1. Speed: Cut Kitting Times to a Fraction
In electronics manufacturing, the transition between projects is a critical window—every minute of SMT line downtime cuts directly into profitability. Thanks to our vertical lift modules and dedicated supply zones positioned right next to the assembly lines, component kitting times for new batches have been drastically reduced.
Components are delivered exactly when needed. The assembly line never waits for materials; the materials are always waiting in full readiness for the operator.
2. Precision: Pick-to-Light and ERP Integration
Mispicking a virtually identical component reel can ruin an entire production batch. Our automated system eliminates this risk on two distinct levels:
- Real-Time ERP Sync: Direct integration with our ERP enables flawless, real-time inventory management. Every item retrieved is logged instantly, making discrepancies a thing of the past.
- Pick-to-Light Technology: When a tray arrives at the access window, a precise light pointer illuminates the exact compartment holding the required component, while the system verifies the pick. Zero guesswork, total control.
3. Protection: Advanced ESD and Climate Control
Integrated circuits are among the most sensitive components on the board. A covert electrostatic discharge (ESD) can easily compromise a semiconductor’s internal structure without leaving a trace, only to manifest as a catastrophic failure later in the field. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to humidity can push Moisture Sensitive Level (MSL) components past their safe limits, demanding costly and time-consuming baking cycles before assembly.
The new VLMs at Nordes feature certified anti-static protection fully compliant with EPA (ESD Protected Area) standards. The enclosed design also allows for strict environmental control, shielding high-value components—including client-supplied free-issue materials—from both ESD and moisture risks.
What This Means for Our Clients
At Nordes, we don’t invest in technology just for the sake of a trend. Introducing automated vertical warehousing delivers direct, measurable advantages to the businesses that trust us with their electronics manufacturing:
- Guaranteed On-Time Delivery: We minimise the risk of project delays caused by inventory discrepancies or misplaced parts. A misplaced reel will never stall a production line again.
- Uncompromised Quality: With robust ESD protection and Pick-to-Light accuracy, clients have absolute certainty that the correct, fully functional components are placed on their PCBs.
- Agile Flexibility: Faster component kitting means we can pivot quickly to changing order requirements. We have scaled our throughput capacities without adding a single square metre to our physical warehouse floor.
Nordes maintains complete mastery over the flow of materials through our factory. We are more than just a modern assembly house; we are a high-tech, dependable partner you can rely on at every stage of your product’s journey.
Is Your Supply Chain Keeping Pace with Production?
Don’t let legacy logistics slow down your growth. Partner with an agile EMS provider that prioritises reliability, innovation, and future-proof solutions.
Contact Nordes today to discover how our advanced infrastructure can accelerate your product’s time-to-market.
