Requirement specifications for an enterprise level collaborative, data collection, quality management and manufacturing tool for an EMS provider

Numerous software applications that serve as effective tools in solving localized issues for an electronics manufacturing service (EMS) provider are currently available. However, there are very few products available in the market for an EMS provider that offer an integrated solution to issues ranging from the production floor to supplier quality. Applications with features including that of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and shop floor control systems would be examples of middle layer systems. This paper discusses the requirement specifications developed for a middle layer software tool to support collaborative manufacturing, extend shop floor visibility, monitor product yield and defects, and improve unit level traceability. Also, the software tool would assist in increasing operational efficiency by reducing paperwork of shop floor personnel, helping to locate reference designators and finding part numbers, and reducing debug time. The application interfaces with SMT, tests and inspection equipment for effective product and process monitoring. This paper also discusses the issues that are of concern to quality department personnel and customers such as the non-conformance materials report (NCMR) and tracking of corrective action requests associated with them and providing root cause analysis capability for NCMRs. The requirement specifications detailed here were developed to meet the needs of both high and low volume facilities involved in PCB assembly and subsequent box-build activities. This paper delineates the functionality required in an integrated system at an EMS provider for it to be an effective tool for manufacturing, improving quality and integrating data from facilities worldwide.