Need to design and assemble cable harnesses quickly to meet hyper-aggressive prototyping and test schedules.
Implementing smartBuild enabled this autonomous drone manufacturer to build prototype harnesses in days, not weeks.
New technicians were productive day one, producing zero build failures while reducing time and materials by 50%.
When you’re building UVs for the U.S. Department of Defense, wiring precision isn’t optional: it’s mission-critical. Each vehicle carries a complex network of electrical systems that must perform flawlessly for weeks in the field without human intervention.
This company needed to design and assemble cable harnesses quickly to meet their hyper-aggressive test schedules. The testing would provide extremely valuable, time-critical data, and highlight their drive and differentiation to competitors in the field. They had over 15 custom, multi-branch cables to assemble in less than one month—but no infrastructure to support the demand. Going through traditional contract manufacturing would have taken too long and would have been expensive. This company needed a way to utilize the resources they had with tools that would enable a quick turnaround.
This customer adopted smartBuild integrated within Cadonix Arcadia to digitize their formboard process and accelerate prototyping.
Designing a new formboard now takes only 30 minutes, with another 30 minutes for build station setup. Technicians can begin production immediately after schematic approval, eliminating days of prep time.
smartBuild’s intuitive interface made training effortless. New hires were productive on their first day, following visual instructions and highlighted wire paths to ensure precision. The system also enabled rapid design revisions in real time: critical for fast-moving defense projects.
This customer plans to scale smartBuild across its production line, supporting rapid defense prototyping and long-term manufacturing programs. By cutting waste and doubling efficiency, the company has positioned itself as a model for digital transformation in the defense manufacturing space.
Transform your wire harness workflow with smartBuild: the digital solution driving precision, speed, and lean efficiency in modern manufacturing.
Download our guide with everything you want to know about how smartBuild accelerates your build process.
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Industry: Autonomous Defense Drone Systems
Employees: 25+
Products & Services: Designs and manufactures medium-sized unmanned vehicles (UVs) for extended autonomous operations serving the U.S. Department of Defense.
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