Workstations assemble a successful operation

Automated Circuit Design took advantage of a devastating fire to re-equip its facility with state-of-the-art Arlink 8000 modular workstations.

Since 1984, Automated Circuit Design (ACD) of Richardson, Texas has provided OEMs in the electronics industry with a complete spectrum of post-engineering printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, design and testing solutions.

One of the county's largest PCB design service bureaux, ACD is an all-in-one source for PCB design, PCB fabrication, PCB prototype and production assembly, box-build assembly, PCA testing, functional testing and component procurement.

Bob Smith has been with ACD for the last 12 years and as Production Manager for the last 4 years.

He is responsible for keeping things flowing smoothly on the production floor and meeting day-to-day scheduling demands, which can often include some potentially stress-inducing quick-turnarounds and deadlines.

However, there was one fairly substantial bump in the road some 5 years ago.

At 2345 local time on 19th June 2003, fire broke out from an electrical box within the ACD complex.

No one was injured, but much of the company's operations equipment was destroyed by smoke and water damage.

While the company was temporary relocated to a nearby location, the original 1400m2 facility was renovated and new equipment was purchased and installed.

ACD replaced the company's older workstations with about 50 Arlink 8000 modular workstations.

Produced by Lista International Corp, a leading manufacturer of modular workstations and storage solutions, the Arlink 8000 had the quality, flexibility and durability that Smith and the ACD applications needed.

Smith was impressed with the overall quality of the Lista products and the Arlink workstation, placing particular emphasis on the workstation's structural support, sturdiness and heavy gauge metal.

"With the Arlink 8000 workstations", Smith said: "we knew we were getting durable workstations that could meet all of our needs today and well into the future".

"There have been no limitations with the Arlink 8000".

Ideal for a wide variety of applications, including assembly, computing environments, service, repair, research and technical work, Lista's Arlink 8000 workstations can be configured in a variety of heights and lengths to best suit specific needs.

At ACD, the Arlink workstations deliver the flexibility to perform in three unique departments: the kitting stockroom where kitting materials arrive and are subsequently distributed; the production floor, and the test department.

A principle caveat for ACD's workstation procurement was that the workstations needed to offer both exceptional functionality and ESD protection.

"All the workstations are electro-static dissipative", said Smith, "so they are an ideal solution for every department".

"In the kitting area, technicians can safely work with electrostatic components".

"And in the assembly and production departments, every technician can perform the most precise processes effectively".

"The Arlink 8000 provides the lighting needed to perform every task with attention to every detail".

"Additionally, the substantial shelving space on the Arlink 8000 offers the space needed to set up stations for testing completed products".

The Arlink 8000 provides ACD with a modular solution that can meet a wide variety of needs.

Available in five industry-standard widths and five different heights up to 2.13m, the Arlink 8000 also features a unique "starter and adder" system, with the option of back-to-back configurations and mobility.

This level of flexibility enables ACD to use layouts that exactly address each of the facility's unique applications.

Smith also views the workstations' aesthetic appeal as a big plus for ACD.

He said: "We all take great pride in the appearance of our production floor, as we often have customers touring the facility".

"A uniform look of consistent quality is essential for echoing ACD's well-earned image of quality and attention to detail".

"Customers often compliment us on the aesthetics of our production areas, and the workstations contribute a lot to that".

Today, equipment procurement at ACD is driven not by urgent needs (as it was with the 2003 fire) but by increased demand and sales growth.

Given Smith's complete satisfaction with the Lista workstations, the Arlink 8000 remains the go-to option to fulfil his production needs.

"With our recent expansion of adding an additional 11000 square feet to our facility, we have substantially added to the number of workstations in our facility".

"The Lista sales team has always been very responsive to our needs, and their products deliver everything we need".

It's clear that, as this PCB contract manufacturer moves into the future, it will continue to assemble a successful operation with the help of Lista and the Arlink 800 workstation.

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