Riverside Integrated Solutions Enhances Quality and Throughput with SAKI 3Di-LS3 3D AOI System
Riverside Integrated Solutions (RIS), a trusted and established U.S.-based electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, has recently upgraded its automated optical inspection (AOI) capabilities with the installation of a SAKI 3Di-LS3 3D AOI system. The installation, completed in January 2025 following the purchase in October 2024, represents a pivotal step forward in RIS’s continuous improvement strategy and further reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality electronic assemblies to customers across a range of industries.
Based in Lewiston, MN, Riverside Integrated Solutions has built a reputation as a full-service EMS partner that seamlessly combines PCB assembly, box build, cable assembly, supply chain management, and fulfillment services. With over 35 years of industry experience, RIS offers vertically integrated solutions to clients in medical, industrial, defense, and commercial sectors. The company’s vertically integrated business model allows for end-to-end control of the manufacturing process—from sourcing and assembly to packaging and final shipment—ensuring consistent quality and reduced lead times.
RIS’s success is grounded in its proactive investment in state-of-the-art technologies and its emphasis on operational excellence. As the complexity and volume of its customer projects increased, RIS recognized the importance of updating its AOI infrastructure to align with its quality standards and growth trajectory.
Prior to the acquisition of the SAKI 3Di-LS3, RIS relied on an AOI platform that, while effective at the time of purchase, had become technologically outdated. The limitations of the legacy system became increasingly apparent.
“The obsolescence of our previous system, coupled with poor support from the supplier, prompted us to begin evaluating alternatives,” explained Richard Lieske, Engineering Manager at RIS. “While our old AOI provided decent results initially, it lacked the capabilities offered by newer technology. Even a low rate of false calls was still disruptive – it required ongoing attention from our technical team and diverted resources from other critical operations.”
As part of its search, RIS evaluated multiple AOI platforms. The goal was to find a solution that would not only solve current limitations but also provide a future-looking foundation to support the company’s strategic growth.
Following an in-depth review of available systems, RIS selected the SAKI 3Di-LS3 3D AOI from Saki America Inc., a global leader in inspection technology.
“The SAKI system stood out for many reasons,” said Lieske. “Its higher-accuracy gantry system and advanced technology provide exceptional resolution and repeatability. We saw immediate improvements in inspection speed and throughput. The software is rock-solid, and the system’s ability to accurately interpret part markings is a game-changer.”
The SAKI 3Di-LS3’s ability to view any part of the circuit board at multiple heights – without physically moving the machine head – was another standout feature. This unique capability ensures comprehensive inspection coverage while reducing mechanical wear and speeding up the inspection process.
Beyond its superior hardware and software, Saki’s roadmap for AI integration aligned perfectly with RIS’s vision for intelligent manufacturing. “We were looking for a long-term partner, not just a piece of equipment,” Lieske added. “Saki offered the complete package: technical innovation, platform stability, and a clear commitment to supporting our evolving needs.”
The 3Di-LS3 3D AOI is one of Saki’s most advanced inspection systems, engineered to deliver ultra-precise, high-speed inspection in a compact footprint. It features a high-resolution 8 µm lens, dual-axis gantry, and advanced 3D imaging algorithms to ensure complete inspection coverage with sub-micron accuracy.
Key features include:
• High-speed scanning and image processing for increased throughput
• Multi-height 3D measurement for true volumetric inspection
• Advanced pattern recognition for superior part marking identification
• Seamless software interface with intuitive programming tools
• Robust data reporting and analytics for process traceability
By combining these technologies with a reliable and scalable platform, the 3Di-LS3 supports RIS’s goals of minimizing defects, reducing rework, and optimizing production flow.
Since the system was released to production in January 2025, RIS has seen measurable improvements in both efficiency and quality.
“The ease of programming the 3Di-LS3 has significantly reduced our setup time for new jobs,” said Lieske. “We’ve also seen a dramatic drop in false calls and false positives, which means our operators and engineers can focus more on value-added tasks instead of chasing down phantom errors.”
The new AOI system has also improved consistency and traceability, which are critical metrics for RIS’s customers in regulated industries such as medical and defense electronics. The 3D measurement capabilities of the SAKI system ensure accurate, reliable defect detection and dimensional validation, supporting RIS’s efforts to maintain the highest levels of compliance and quality assurance.
RIS’s positive experience didn’t stop at the machine’s performance. The support received from Saki America Inc. throughout the installation, training, and operational qualification process was exemplary.
“We’ve been extremely happy with the high level of knowledge and professionalism from Saki’s customer service team,” Lieske said. “From the training we received at their Illinois facility to on-site installation and post-launch support, their communication and responsiveness have been top-notch. It’s a refreshing change compared to the challenges we faced with our previous vendor.”
With the successful implementation of the SAKI 3Di-LS3 3D AOI, Riverside Integrated Solutions has further enhanced its ability to deliver high-quality products with speed and consistency. The decision to partner with Saki America Inc. reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“This investment wasn’t just about replacing a machine,” said Lieske. “It was about enabling a smarter, more efficient production process. With Saki, we’ve found a partner that understands our goals and supports our mission to provide the best possible service to our customers.”
As RIS continues to expand its capabilities and serve more complex customer needs, the integration of cutting-edge inspection technologies like the 3Di-LS3 will remain central to its strategy.
For more information about Riverside Integrated Solutions, contact the company at 1 RiverSide Dr., Lewiston, MN 55952; 507-523-3220; E-mail: sales@riversideintegrated.com; Web site: www.riversideintegratedsolutions.com. To find out more about Saki, contact Shoko Motoda, Marketing Division, Sales Dept. at Saki Corporation, +81 3 6632 7902; E-mail: motoda.shoki@sakicorp.com; Web site: www.sakicorp.com
