Most factories don't have a storage problem. They have a time-loss problem hidden inside their storage setup.
The hidden cost most lines miss
In many SMT environments today, operators still spend 30–45 seconds locating and picking a single reel. Hours every week disappear into searching, walking, and second-guessing — material that should already be structured.
Because it happens a few seconds at a time, nobody really notices the true cost.
The math on a typical line
Take a line completing 1,000 reel picks per day. At 30 seconds per manual pick across 230 working days:
- ▸Traditional shelves + manual picking: ~1,917 working hours/year
- ▸NORDEC Smart Shelves with pick-to-light (3 seconds per indicated pick): ~192 working hours/year
- ▸At €45 per operator hour, the estimated annual value of the saved time is roughly €77,625
That's close to a full working year reclaimed — and this example assumes only 30 seconds per manual handling. In many real production environments the actual time is higher, depending on layout, structure, and operator experience.
Calculate your line's hidden time loss
It's not only about efficiency
A structured, guided workflow makes daily work easier for operators. Reducing unnecessary searching lowers stress, builds confidence, and helps teams work with greater consistency.
The goal isn't to store more reels.
It's to create a workflow where material is always visible, structured, and easy to locate — even in high-mix SMT production environments.
"Simple idea. Massive operational impact."
— Adam & Peter Bergendahl
Want this calculated for your specific line?
Share your reel mix and changeover frequency — we'll come back with a tailored ROI estimate for your floor.