Process Preparation for World-Class Competition

ABSTRACT

Process preparation is not an optional part of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) manufacturing. It is mandatory and critical for high quality production performed profitably. The tools and methods used in process preparation will determine if the goal for introducing a new product to the production line can be achieved: Right First Time Production, Right Away. No exceptions. Process preparation systems should be able to cope with all aspects and requirements of production, all machines, all processes, without mistakes and without confusion. Only in this way can we scale the flexibility and responsiveness of the production operation in line with customer and market expectations. One of the biggest challenges in process preparation is to understand the actual product that will be built, to know the processes that will be needed, to assess and understand the cost of making the product. This requires communication, project skills, process and resource information and a lot of product information.