How DS Smith’s phased upgrade to SICK’s microScan3 laser scanners boosted safety, simplified maintenance, and futureproofed operations
When it comes to safety, timing is everything. Just like a relay race, passing the baton from one generation of technology to the next requires precision, trust, and teamwork. That’s exactly what DS Smith achieved when they transitioned from SICK’s legacy S3000 safety laser scanners to the cutting-edge microScan3—without missing a beat.
A Trusted Partnership Built Over Decades
At DS Smith’s production facility in Grenaa, Denmark, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a way of life. For over 20 years, Lars Mikael Andersen, Sales Engineer at SICK Denmark, has supported DS Smith with sensor-based safety solutions for their automated packaging lines. Since 2003, SICK’s S3000 scanners have been safeguarding transfer vehicles that shuttle paper stacks between cutting, printing, and packaging stations.
“The S3000 scanners have reliably protected the travel paths of our vehicles for years,” said Kim Borg, Electrician at DS Smith. “But with the product’s discontinuation, we knew it was time to look ahead.”
Smooth Transition, Zero Downtime
Rather than rushing into a full-scale replacement, DS Smith opted for a phased approach. Working closely with Andersen and the SICK team, they identified the microScan3 Pro I/O – EFI-pro as the ideal successor. It offered all the functionality they needed—plus a few welcome upgrades.
“We started with one vehicle and quickly realized how intuitive the process was,” Borg said. “Now our maintenance team can handle the upgrades independently across all ten vehicles.”
Why microScan3 Was the Right Move
The microScan3 didn’t just match the S3000—it exceeded expectations:
- Compact Design: No need to modify vehicles or mounting slots.
- Plug-and-Play Wiring: Standard M12 connectors made installation a breeze.
- Smart Software Tools: SICK’s “CDS to Safety Designer Converter” simplified configuration transfers.
- Reuse Existing Infrastructure: Adapter plates allowed DS Smith to keep their original mounting setup.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Built-in tools help quickly pinpoint and resolve faults.
And thanks to SICK’s safeHDDM® scanning technology, the microScan3 performs reliably even in challenging environments with dust, dirt, or ambient light.
Future-Proofing Safety Across Sites
The success in Grenaa has inspired DS Smith to roll out the microScan3 at their second Danish facility in Taulov. With SICK’s support and a proven upgrade path, they’re confident in the transition.
“Many users hesitate to move on from the S3000,” Andersen said. “But once they see how easy and beneficial the switch is, they realize it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a leap forward in safety and productivity.”
