Circuits Assembly - March 2008 - (Page 65)

Figure 1. Process reviews should tackle data in manageable chunks. defect prevention and process improvement. If not involved in the discussion, they may resist the equipment or strategy. Also, they have firsthand experience with what works well in production and what information would be valuable for their jobs. Also, AOI strategies at one company may not work for others, and all the experience in the world cannot account for simple human error. Create a simple test strategy, implement it and remain flexible to new ideas and approaches. Users often get hung up on certain charting types or data presentation. Remain open to new ideas and take suggestions from all users, as some of the best ideas come after the systems are installed and users gain experience. Start out simple and review data in manageable segments (Figure 1). Inspection systems generate ample data, and it can be exciting to think of the Six-Sigma style projects that can be implemented to make the process perfect, yet too much information will slow down – and possibly halt – even the best of plans. Start by analyzing one variable or process at a time. For example, analyze the top five defects caught by AOI and determine their causes; then move to the next five. After that, perhaps analyze issues that cause false failures or look downstream and see what part types are escaping the system. The point is to keep the implementation simple and build the test strategy so that it’s not too overwhelming. AOI and SPI data can provide a lot of useful information; however, the volume of the data can be overwhelming. Manufacturers should assess their assembly and test environment. An implementation alignment team should be formed to determine the goal of the equipment and use model. Vendors should then be engaged to review available information and possible implementation. The value of AOI is not only as a defect detection system, but also as a tool to improve process and test strategies. ROI can be greatly improved through good implementation plans that include the best ways to use available measurement and defect data. ■ Test and Inspection Continued from pg. 20 Continued from pg. 66 Win-win relationships are built more on trust than on flawless execution. A program manager who analyzes each request and offers a range of achievable options will drive greater levels of customer satisfaction than one who delivers inconsistently on customer requests. Offering options also permits the customer to buy into the resolution by choosing the option most aligned with their goals. Be open to changing business models. The ultimate benefit of a win-win relationship is existing business growth. But often that growth isn’t simply the addition of similar business. Instead, the trust built between teams opens the door to conversations about longterm customer needs. EMS management teams that recognize the value of those conversations are typically prepared to make requested investments in exchange for additional business. Companies experienced in cultivating win-win relationships create opportunities for these conversations to occur through well-structured quarterly review meetings and senior management visits. Additionally, program team members are vigilant for signals given by their opposites at the OEM on new project or multidivision opportunities. ■ circuitsassembly.com Noteworthy general advantages of batch cleaning equipment include the smaller footprint as well as significantly smaller volumes of wastewater generation. Cleaning remains an important part of manufacturing. Associated costs are quantifiable and an optimal process solution can be found. Each process’s complexity becomes quickly apparent; however, with professional help, this challenge can be overcome. As a result, each user should define their specific performance envelope first, and take time to ask all necessary questions. With batch and inline equipment capable of acceptable cleaning results, the final equipment choice depends on the number of assemblies cleaned. At volumes lower than 450 to 550 boards a day, batch cleaning will pose a more economical solution per cleaned assembly. At higher volumes, inline processes are more cost-efficient. ■ Circuits Assembly MARCH 2008 65 http://circuitsassembly.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Circuits Assembly - March 2008

Circuits Assembly - March 2008 Caveat Lector Letters Industry News Market Watch Talking Heads Focus on Business On the Forefront Screen Printing What Drives the Crowd? Mastering ESD Control in Automated Handling Systems Beating the RoHS Heat Trade Secrets True to Its Roots The Road Abroad - Strategic Alliance or Greenfield Facility? Tech Tips Wave Soldering Test and Inspection Process Doctor Pb-Free Lessons Learned Getting Lean Materials World Equipment Advances Apex Product Preview Ad Index Assembly Insider Technical Abstracts

Circuits Assembly - March 2008

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