Automating C‑Parts Management in Production
How Logistics Robot SOTO can Automate Your Entire C‑Parts Transport
Robots, Technology
26. June 2025
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The supply of C‑parts – low-cost consumables with high usage volumes, often delivered in bulk – is a complex and logistically demanding task in many production environments. Small containers (“bins”) are typically delivered manually to the production line, which complicates efficient processes for replenishment and the return of empty containers.
In this article, you will learn:
- how to make your C‑parts supply processes more efficient through automation, and
- how the logistics robot SOTO can help you automate this segment of intralogistics too.
Challenges in Supplying C‑Parts
C‑parts are typically delivered as bulk materials using a two-bin system or a KANBAN loop. They are transported from a central “supermarket” storage area to the production line by employees or external service providers, often manually. The main challenge lies in ensuring a cost-effective supply process while maintaining a high level of supply reliability at the production line.
Empty bins are also returned manually for refilling. The smaller the bins, the greater the logistical effort required, and the longer the refill and replenishment times become.
Why You Should Consider Automating Your C‑Parts Transport
- High process costs, despite the low value of the individual items
- Low priority, even though missing C‑parts can halt the entire production flow
- Storage space issuesdue to excess stock levels
Automation as a solution
The logistics robot SOTO provides a smart way to address these challenges. The robot not only handles the transport of small load carriers (tote / KLT) between the warehouse and production line, but also automates the delivery of C‑parts in so-called mixed small load carriers (“mixed KLTs”).
The robot automatically logs every KLT delivery. This provides full transparency of the current location of each mixed KLT and when replenishments are required.
This is how it works in practice: Smart C‑Parts handling with SOTO
Companies that rely on SOTO to automate the replenishment of their C‑parts improve the efficiency of their material supply along the production line.
The logistics robot SOTO transports C‑parts in mixed KLTs, which are provided in various sizes. Thanks to integrated partitions, each container can hold multiple (typically two to six) C‑part types and deliver them together to the line.
Ideally, C‑parts combined in a mixed KLT should be those used together or with similar frequency in production. For example, screws and nuts, bolts and rivets, or plugs and screws.
Commissioning process of C-parts
An employee picks the required C-parts and fills the mixed KLT, either manually from the supermarket warehouse or, in a more ergonomic setup, from a vertical carousel storage system, such as the Jungheinrich PRK 350.
Handover to SOTO and Supplying the Production Line
The employee places the mixed SLC in the handover rack and scans the barcode. This triggers the pickup order for SOTO. The robot collects the SLC from the C-parts supermarket and transports it to the production line. At the designated drop-off station, SOTO hands over the SLC to the production line.
Empty Container Transport with SOTO
As soon as a compartment in the mixed SLC is empty, the employee places it in the empties-compartment. Pickup orders are triggered either automatically by a sensor or manually by scanning a barcode. SOTO then collects the empty totes, returns it to the C-parts supermarket, and the cycle begins anew.
Your Benefits at a Glance:
Automating C‑parts management increases efficiency across the entire production line. So, if you are considering automating your KLT transport with SOTO, be sure to include C‑parts automation in your planning! This allows you to fully leverage the potential of your intralogistics process:
- Supply Reliability and Transparency: SOTO keeps track of everything – the robot not only executes pickup orders and delivery tasks but also provides real-time visibility into C‑parts consumption. The Kanban system ensures that supply gaps are avoided, and storage space is used more efficiently.
- Cost Reduction: By automating the transport of multiple C‑part types in a single container, processing times can be shortened and process costs significantly reduced.
- Better Use of Resources: By relieving workers of repetitive tasks, personnel can be reassigned to more valuable activities. This helps mitigate labor shortages and makes it easier to handle staff absences.
Automate Your C‑Parts Transport Today—for Greater Efficiency in Production!
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The current state of C‑parts supply in most production environments faces several key challenges: