Month: October 2013

Attrition Guidelines for PCB Assembly from a Kitting Perspective

Cherie Leave a comment
To ensure the success of a PCBA, the materials must be procured to meet the assembly criteria.  The assembly criteria and intended processes need to be shared with the kitting staff prior to the quoting and procuring of materials.

Important criteria to be identified and understood include the type of assembly processes required: 

·         Will assembly produce a First Article for approval prior to completing the build? 

·         Is there a plan for multiple set-ups and tear-downs of the assembly line to accomplish the full build quantity?

Multiple set-ups and tear-downs will require extra material.  There is an inherent loss involved with each process and the material excess must be gauged properly to avoid running out of required material for placement.

Additional criteria to be considered is the type of placement equipment:

·         Will this placement be done by hand?
·         If not, does the equipment to be used for this build require all materials be on reels?
·         Is there a leader / trailer requirement identified by the assembly facility which should be used when planning the materials?

    Understanding the intended assembly process and unique requirements is critical to quoting and procuring materials to accommodate the PCB Assembly, and ensure the success of the build.

    Success of each and every PCB Assembly quoted, procured and kitted by California Integration Coordinators, Inc. undergoes the scrutiny of the intended processes and placement. 

    If you have any questions or comments regarding Attrition Guidelines, we’d welcome your input.  Contact me at Cherie@cic-inc.comor call (530) 626-6168.

    www.cic-inc.com        ISO 9001:2008 Certified

    Advantages of Specialized Outsourcing

    Cherie Leave a comment
    We have come to learn that not all things are equal in outsourcing.  At one time outsourcing was a way to eliminate routine, low skill, business functions. There is another side of outsourcing that is often overlooked and which can be a great tool for the growth and efficiency of business.  Procurement outsourcing has earned its place as a key advantage for high-end, technical business applications.

    Procurement outsourcing is a resource that makes use of specialists with skills, assets, and expertise that are specific to your industries needs.  In high tech industries it is imperative that the person procuring components has background in your industry.  This kind of expertise allows a fluid transition from concept to creation, allowing you to focus on the core competencies of your business.  Your procurement specialist has the contacts, expertise, and buying leverage to see your project to completion on time and on budget. 

    Outsourcing through a specialist in the electronics industry means that the risks associated with product procurement and unexpected costs resulting from misorders and the resulting downtime are minimized.

    Today’s businesses rely on continual improvement to products and processes.  This same rule should be considered when selecting a company to fill your procurement needs.  Here is a list of questions to ask when selecting a company to represent your purchasing and procurement needs:

    • 1.       Do they have a reputation of outstanding customer satisfaction?
    • 2.       Do they have a measurable plan for continuous improvement in efficiency and productivity?
    • 3.       Do they have the certifications necessary to meet the standards of your industry?
    • 4.       Do they have staff with knowledge in electronic components that will allow them to maximize the benefits to your company?

    If you are interested in continuing this conversation regarding the benefits of procurement outsourcing please contact us.  California Integration Coordinators, Inc. is an ISO 9001 certified company specializing in PCB and PCB related sourcing, kitting and procurement for over 25 years.  www.cic-inc.com