• Step by step towards
    automated
    CNC manufacturing

    + Get started risk-free

    + Boost your efficiency step by step

    + Grow without limits

    + Decide for yourself how far you want to go

    Discover the step-by-step model

From individual machines to automated production.

Not every business needs to fully automate straight away. The key is that the solution must be suited to current production and be able to scale up later. The HEDELIUS phased model sets out a clear path: from a pre-configured machine to unmanned operation. This enables manufacturing companies to gradually increase spindle time without losing their flexibility.

4-stage model
Levels of automation
Practical examples

Viele Betriebe wissen, dass Automation sinnvoll wäre.
Aber nicht, womit sie anfangen sollen.

Im Alltag fehlt selten der Bedarf. Es fehlt die passende Einstiegslogik. Die Maschine steht beim Rüsten. Fachkräfte sind knapp. Aufträge wechseln häufig. Kleine Losgrößen erhöhen den Aufwand. Gleichzeitig soll die Fertigung lieferfähig bleiben, ohne unnötig Risiko aufzubauen. Genau deshalb wirkt eine zu große Lösung oft abschreckend. Eine zu kleine Lösung löst das Problem nicht. Betriebe brauchen einen Weg, der zur heutigen Fertigung passt und spätere Schritte offenhält.

Antworten auf häufige Fragen finden

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Automate step by step rather than changing everything at once.

The 4-stage model makes automation predictable. Each step delivers tangible operational benefits – from investment security and reduced changeover downtime to longer unmanned running times. The aim is not to maximise technology. The aim is a production process that runs more reliably, reduces the workload on existing staff and achieves more productive machine time. The benefits at a glance:

Level 1:
READY


Level 2:
RUN


Level 3:
GROW


Level 4:
SCALE


Be prepared without committing yourself today.

Reduce set-up times and increase spindle running time.

Prepare multiple jobs and manufacture in a more predictable manner.

Make productive use of off-peak hours, nights and weekends.

Diagram for step-by-step automation

Automation must be tailored to the production hall, not the other way round.

HEDELIUS does not view automation in isolation. What matters most is the interplay between the workpiece, the machine, the pallet storage system, the clamping devices, the tool inventory, the operating personnel and the available floor space. That is why the design process does not start with the largest solution, but with your actual production setup. These considerations form the basis for an automation solution that works in day-to-day operations:

  • Which parts wear out frequently?

  • Where do downtimes occur?

  • How much time do staff spend on set-up?

  • What cycle times can be achieved per order?

  • How much floor space is available?

Download the brochure

In this brochure: Discover the benefits of CNC automation and HEDELIUS’s future-proof automation solutions. Our 4-step model guides you step by step towards the right automation solution, tailored to your production needs.

The 4-step model.

Not every production facility starts at the same point on the path to automation. The HEDELIUS 4-stage model shows you which stage of development suits your current requirements and how you can develop your production facilities step by step. From preparing your operations for automation, through productive pallet automation, to the targeted use of unmanned running times. Each stage delivers measurable added value and opens up new opportunities for growth.

Stage 1: READY

Ready for automation, without committing yourself

READY is the right choice if you’re still manufacturing manually today but want to keep your options open for automation. The machine is set up so that automation can be integrated at a later date. You remain flexible and avoid unnecessary modifications when the next step becomes economically viable.

Particularly suitable if you:

  • currently still manufacture predominantly by hand
  • would like to automate at a later date
  • need investment security
  • want to avoid production downtime during a future expansion
to READY
Stage 2: RUN

More spindle time in day-to-day operations

RUN is the entry-level solution for productive pallet automation. Whilst the machine is running, the next pallet is being prepared. This reduces downtime during set-up. The machine remains productive for longer. The benefits are particularly noticeable with small and medium batch sizes.

Particularly well suited if you:

  • want to reduce set-up times
  • want to produce more parts in the same amount of time
  • want to ease the workload on existing staff
  • want to achieve longer running times with limited floor space
Go to RUN
Stage 3: GROW

Plan more jobs thanks to the storage system

GROW is ideal if you want to prepare multiple jobs and process them in an organised manner. The pallet storage system creates a buffer in production. Repeat parts, small batches and prepared jobs can be scheduled in an organised manner. This brings greater stability to your processes and improves capacity utilisation.

Particularly well suited if you:

  • wish to prepare multiple orders
  • want to make better use of off-peak times
  • manufacture repeat parts and small batches
  • need greater planning reliability
About GROW
Level 4: STAIRS

Making targeted use of unmanned running time

SCALE is the appropriate level when processes are stable enough for the machine to run for extended periods without operator intervention. This does not mean that everything runs by itself. It means that workpieces, tools, programmes, clamping devices and controls are prepared in such a way that the machine can remain productive even during breaks, at night or at weekends.

Particularly well suited if you:

  • wish to utilise night-time or weekend running times
  • have a firm grasp of recurring processes
  • want to relieve skilled staff of ancillary tasks
  • wish to build capacity without having to fully staff additional shifts
About SCALE

Three steps to finding the right level of automation

Step 1: Understanding the
manufacturing process


Step 2: Determine the
level


Step 3: Implement the
solution consistently


We examine your workpieces, batch sizes, set-up times, cycle times, clamping devices, tooling stock and existing processes.

Together, we determine whether READY, RUN, GROW or SCALE currently offers the greatest benefit and which expansion might be appropriate at a later stage.

Machinery, automation and processes are designed in such a way that your production does not become more complicated, but runs in a more predictable manner.

Determine the level of automation

You remain in control of the next step.

The phased approach reduces investment risks. You do not have to decide today exactly what your manufacturing operations will look like in five years’ time. You are laying the foundations that can grow alongside your business. This is particularly important for medium-sized manufacturing companies, as orders, production volumes and staff availability are subject to change. A good automation solution must not restrict this flexibility. HEDELIUS helps you take the next sensible step – not the biggest one.

Automation pays off if it reduces downtime.

The economic benefit arises primarily in areas where productive time is currently lost: during set-up, maintenance, searching, changeovers and during unused off-peak periods. The 4-stage model makes this potential a reality. This creates more capacity without automatically requiring more staff or additional machinery.

01 READY protects your investment.

02 RUN reduces set-up downtime.

03 GROW increases predictable utilisation.

04 SCALE unlocks additional operating time outside core working hours.

Discuss potential

Real-life success stories.

What does the journey towards automated manufacturing look like in day-to-day practice? Our customers demonstrate how, step by step, they have worked with HEDELIUS to make their production more efficient, flexible and autonomous. From the very first pallet to unmanned overnight production. Discover real-world applications from a range of industries and see how companies are using HEDELIUS to increase spindle uptime, reduce the workload on skilled staff and sustainably expand their capacity. Our case studies provide concrete insights into processes, challenges and results drawn directly from real-world experience.

Frequently asked questions about the HEDELIUS tiered model.

Find out which stage really takes the pressure off your production process.

Whether it’s READY, RUN, GROW or SCALE: what matters is not the largest automation solution, but the next economically viable step. HEDELIUS helps you to realistically assess your production and define the appropriate stage – for more spindle time, more stable processes and better planning. Simply fill in the contact form below or send an email to sales@hedelius.de. Our experts will get back to you as soon as possible!

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