Test strategy cost model innovations

The selection of an adequate set of test and inspection techniques to verify the quality and functionality of a product, as well as, the integrity of the manufacturing process can be a complex task. This selection process normally require a detailed technical assessment on the effectiveness of each test technique, trade-off analysis among alternate test techniques/platforms and an economic evaluation of the various options available. In industry today, there are many methodologies utilized to derive the return-on-investment (ROI) analysis of a particular manufacturing test strategy. The test strategy cost model of the National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative, Inc. (NEMI) completed, in April 2003, has been enhanced based on the feedback received from users of the model and on experiences of the authors when applying this model to analyze current product test strategies.