Global Machine Production Meets Smart Analysis – with Pandia
Soudronic AG is a global leader in the production of machinery for metal packaging – from food cans and spray cans to oil drums. For over two years, the company has relied on Pandia’s video technology – a collaboration that has become a significant milestone for both parties.
Thanks to its international use and the close working relationship, Pandia has not only gained valuable insights but also won two additional customers from Soudronic’s network – purely through word of mouth.
Insights from an Interview with Soudronic
Pandia: Could you briefly explain what you do at Soudronic?
Soudronic: We manufacture machines for producing metal packaging – such as food cans, spray cans, and oil drums. We distribute these machines globally, install them on-site, commission them, and fine-tune them with the customer. We also provide training and support our clients throughout the entire machine lifecycle – on average, 50 years. We assist with troubleshooting and modernizations as well.
Pandia: So, your work is primarily international?
Soudronic: Exactly – about 98% of our customers are abroad; we operate worldwide.
Pandia: How do you use the Pandia system in practice?
Soudronic: We use Pandia in two main ways.
First, the high-speed recordings let us analyze processes that are too fast for the naked eye. Our machines produce up to 1,800 cans per minute – far too fast for visual inspection. With Pandia, we can analyze processes in slow motion, optimize machine settings, improve workflows, and pinpoint faults more accurately.
Second, our production lines can be up to 60 meters long and 30 meters wide – consisting of several machines. Pandia allows us to place cameras at critical points and monitor all relevant angles efficiently, even with a small team.
Pandia: How did you originally come across Pandia?
Soudronic: Through our service team – Mauro and our service manager have known each other since school. We were already aware of the product and decided to purchase the hardware and send it directly to machines or customers. Communication with customers can be challenging – a video or image often makes things much clearer and easier to resolve.
Pandia: What aspects of our product stood out to you the most?
Soudronic: Its ease of use and setup. You can start recording and working with the system almost immediately. With just a short introduction, it’s intuitive for anyone to operate. Especially valuable: our feedback was taken seriously and integrated into free updates – that’s far from standard.
Pandia: Did you consider any alternative solutions?
Soudronic: Previously, we used high-speed cameras costing 30,000 to 50,000 Swiss francs – including lighting, tripod, bulky cases, and a separate computer. It was extremely expensive and complicated, so hardly used. Often, only a single frame was analyzed, which made diagnostics difficult.
We were never fully satisfied – our real need only became clear through Pandia.
Pandia: What was the decisive factor for working with Pandia?
Soudronic: Without a doubt: the ability to capture four synchronized perspectives – paired with the system’s mobility (tripod, magnetic mount, battery-powered). The system is simple, compact, and incredibly effective.
Pandia: You’ve also recommended Pandia to other companies. What motivated you to do that? Soudronic: Our customers often face the same challenges we do. The investment is manageable and low-risk. Even if the system isn’t used for a few weeks, it’s instantly ready when a problem arises or an additional perspective is needed. This shortens downtime and gets machines running again faster.Pandia: What do you value most about working with Pandia?
Soudronic: The collaborative partnership! Whenever needed, time was taken for training or to explore potential improvements. Requests and ideas for new features were handled flexibly. The combination of product and team is compelling.
Thanks to Mauro’s background in mechanical engineering, he quickly grasps our challenges – communication is direct, respectful, and solution-focused.
