TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
A smarter way to start with automation
Automation is becoming essential across industries, and more companies are exploring how to take the first step. Cimcorp believes that, while getting started can feel complex, the path forward is often clearer than expected. The key is to start from the right place. “Rather than focusing on a single task, companies should step back and rethink their
whole operation,” says Derek Rickard, Director of Sales, North America for Cimcorp. “To start automation, you need to understand why things are done the way they are done. A strong start builds long-term value.” Automation offers companies a powerful way to improve efficiency, increase reliability and
respond faster to changing demand. At the same time, it helps address one of the most common challenges across industries: labour availability. “I think the most common motivation is labour, both availability and uncertainty,” says Kai
Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s VP, Corporate Sales. To fully realise these benefits, automation should be approached as a long-term business
decision rather than a quick fix. The greatest impact is achieved when companies look beyond individual tasks and consider how their operations can evolve. “Many companies are planning 10-20 years ahead. You need to understand your future needs,
not just what you’re doing today,” continues Tuomisaari. “This forward-looking approach helps ensure that automation supports both current performance and future growth.”
Turn insight into action A successful automation journey starts with building a clear understanding of the business and its goals. This begins with data. By analysing current operations – including volumes, order profiles and process performance – companies can define the right targets for capacity, efficiency and scalability. When combined with realistic projections of future needs, this creates a strong foundation for decision-making. Simulation and modelling tools support this process by allowing companies to test different
scenarios and validate system performance before making investments. “These tools help you understand how the systems will run and whether they meet your needs,” Rickard says. “Equally important is bringing the organisation along. Automation impacts multiple teams and early engagement helps ensure a smoother transition from planning to implementation.” Choosing the right partner plays an important role. With the right expertise and experience,
companies can move forward with confidence, from early planning of automation to long-term development. “The best thing you can do is talk to someone who has done it before,” Rickard continues. “Go and see a reference site and understand what result others have achieved by automating.”
Moving forward with confidence Automation is already widely used across several industries, and proven solutions are available. Companies don’t need to have all the answers at the start; what matters is taking a structured and informed approach. By starting with a clear understanding of their business, using data to guide decisions and working with experienced partners, companies can turn automation into a practical and achievable next step. “When done right, automation becomes more than a technology investment. It becomes a way to improve performance, build resilience and create long-term competitive advantage,” Tuomisaari adds.
Operational understanding makes the difference Cimcorp has 50 years of expertise in automation, especially within the tyre, grocery and retail industries. According to the company’s experience, successful automation projects require much more than just selecting the right technology. Real value comes from understanding how automated operations behave in practice, from throughput fluctuations and capacity utilisation to long-term scalability. Automation should not simply replicate manual processes but redesign them to perform more
efficiently and predictably. This becomes especially important in industries with fluctuating volumes, large SKU counts and high throughput requirements. “We quite often see customers dimension systems around peak demand, the same way
they would with manual labour. But automation changes the logic completely. Industry-specific expertise and proven operational understanding are critical for designing solutions that support long-term performance and scalability,” Tuomisaari concludes.
Cimcorp
info@cimcorp.com
www.cimcorp.com
Montech
https://montech.com/ch/en/
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | JUNE 2026 33
ADVERTORIALS
Reliable separation of lightweight package inserts with compact conveyor technology
Separating extremely light products places high demands on conveyor technology. Conventional systems quickly reach their limits, especially with lightweight package inserts. That’s why Montech developed a compact conveyor solution based on a TB30 small belt conveyor; this system enables constant, reproducible output of package inserts. 80 × 60 mm package inserts that weigh just four grams are difficult to separate
reliably. Even small changes in the load affect the conveyor movement and can cause problems. A Montech customer was facing precisely this challenge. The previous solution was a drum that would spin freely when unloaded and, depending on the weight placed on it, was therefore unable to ensure a consistent output of package inserts. Montech provided just the right solution.
Continuous product contact for stable processes This Swiss technology company has specialized in the industrialization and standardization of advanced belt conveyors, transfer systems, and aluminum framing technology for over 60 years. For this customer, Montech implemented a conveyor solution based on the TB30 small belt conveyor. It enables controlled separation of the stacked package inserts via a defined output slot. In contrast to the previous drum solution, the belt conveyor and product remain in continuous contact. The system thus ensures that the package inserts are output evenly and reproducibly – regardless of the very low product weight.
Compact integration into existing systems Montech relied on a compact belt conveyor design for the solution. allows it to be integrated easily into existing system concepts. The pre-assembled conveyor solution also reduces the time and effort involved in commissioning. At the same time, the robust, low-maintenance design ensures high operational reliability in continuous production.
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