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As we mentioned
in the October 1st,
2000 issue of EPC World, Advantech is making significant gains
in manufacturing flexibility, capability and efficiency by strategically
implementing state-of-the-art equipment, software and process
improvements.These advances significantly increase responsiveness
to internal and external customers' needs and allow Advantech
to more effectively compete in this highly competitive market.
Doing our own manufacturing also allows Advantech to be extremely
flexible to implement new ideas plus develop and change products
quickly for our customers' or the market's needs..
Evolving
Manufacturing Improvements
Advantech
continues to improve its ability to provide flexible, high quality
manufacturing capabilities to its customers. Here are a few examples
of the kinds of specific actions Advantech is taking to make these
manufacturing quality and efficiency gains.
- Shop
Floor Information System Implemented
 As
each individual product enters the Advantech manufacturing
process (such as a SBC), it is given a unique Bar Code label
that allows the product to be scanned with a bar code scanner
and information to be continuously gathered on that particular
product. At every stage in the manufacturing process, this
serial number is scanned in and automatically input into the
Shop Floor Information System. This SFIS seamlessly integrates
into the entire manufacturing information system. From real
time quality control, to packaging and shipping information,
to RMA and warranty information, this serial number can be
accurately traced and the relevant information that is needed
can be easily gathered. Some advantages of the SFIS are shown
below.
- Extremely
easy to use
- Efficient
digital record for instant product history access
- Improved
WIP tracking and control
- Built-in
QC features (checks and verifications)
- Easier/faster
production line changeover time
- More
efficient RMA control (ie. 2 year warranty)
- Built-in quality control
Wherever
possible in the manufacturing process, Advantech is using
automation to improve product quality and production efficiency.
Integrating technology and innovation is an ongoing endeavor
for Advantech engineers.
A good
example of this are the "production line testing templates"
now being used in Advantech factories. Designed completely
in-house by Advantech engineers, these work stations were
developed to help automate hardware and software testing for
Advantech manufactured SBCs. The template allows for quick
and efficient connection and testing of SBCs. The operator
simply puts the board into the template and closes the top.
All pins and connectors simultaneously connect to the SBC
to simulate a live operating environment. Hardware integrity
verification can proceed immediately as well as the running
of critical testing software.
These testing
templates have benefited Advantech's SBC production in many
ways.
- Substantially
decreased test setup time
- Reduced
overall product testing time
- Automated
the connection (manual) process
- Reduced
human error
- Allowed
technicians to test two SBCs at the same time
- Allowed
for more efficient SOPs to be developed
- Increased
operator efficiency and output
- Decreased
production line bottle necks
- Decreased
product line changeover/setup time
Improvements
Benefit Customers
The are many
other ways Advantech is improving manufacturing and production
capability. Some improvements are more complex than others, but
the end result is to provide a better product to our customers.
Advantech
welcomes any comments you might have about this story, Advantech's
production capabilities or any other ECG product information.
E-mail us at epc@advantech.com.tw
anytime.
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