Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1163814
48 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2019 Once you have tried and are comfortable with the first step, the next level would be to also include enterprise information, such as MCAD assemblies, CAM, ERP, MRP, PLM, and MCAD/software BOMs. By incorporating pro- curement (buy), fabrication (manufacture), and assembly (build) data together, you can now also tie in the extended project design team and enable them to collaborate and con- tribute to the final output package. Lastly, including programmable data per in- dividual part, mechanical data, drawing files, and enterprise part data—such as manufac- turer specification sheets, classifications, ap- proval manufacturer lists (AMLs) and appr oved ven- dor lists (AVLs) along with other pr oduct-specific re- quirements—enables you to have a single file that contains your full product definition from design to manufacturing (Figure 4). Leading the Charge If you want to give this a try, there is a lot of exist- ing support you can take advantage of. Currently, many large companies are paving the way to help pro- mote adoption and willing to share both their experienc- es and programs they have written to streamline the pro- cess. Because of the efficien- cies gained on the manufac- turing side using IPC-2581, some CMs have begun charg- ing more when they receive only Gerber data (Figure 5). Many free viewers are also available on the market to- day that enable you to look at the file content before ship- ping out. For an added fee, some packages include built- in DFM packages that enable you to compare your Gerber and IPC-2581 data. After sending the files, let your suppliers review each and provide feed- back regarding what is different and why. Armed with that information, you can begin to move forward and help to pioneer this evolv- ing standard. Once you develop a comfort level with the first step, start involving others to discuss how to represent a full product specification, in- cluding what digital thread and Industry 4.0 mean to your company. From there, you can begin to plan how to characterize a more ro- bust representation of your full product archi- tecture in a secure and collaborative format. Figure 4: IPC DPMX will connect IPC-2581 with IPC's CFX standard. Figure 5: IPC-2581 is already in use by a variety of companies.