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DECEMBER 2018 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 83 data about the environment in which their machines are working through seeing mate- rials and planning information with which to further automatically optimize their machine operations. As a standard based on true indus- try consensus, CFX has been designed to pro- vide information about all areas of opportuni- ty, control, and management in the factory. CFX is the definition of how data is exchanged and the exact language and meaning of that data. The adoption of CFX is now being made into software tools provided by machine ven- dors on the machine or line level, as well as by solution providers across the whole factory. The paradigm of manufacturing execution sys- tems (MES) changes as a result. Legacy MES systems that simply gather data save it into a series of databases and then provide reports are not going to be up to the challenge of pro- cessing IIoT data in real time; thus, they will be limited when it comes to live optimization and decision-making support. A new breed of digital MES systems spe- cifically designed for the IIoT and CFX envi- ronment deliver the most value, spanning the whole gamut of factory operations and offering a single standard digital platform. For example, bespoke extensions to the platform to support specialized reporting and monitoring—as well as the inclusion of product-specific processes such as functional test—can easily be added by local IT developers by creating the required CFX interface and utilizing the free IPC CFX software development kit (SDK). The technology shown by the many partic- ipating vendors at IPC APEX EXPO 2019 rep- resents the key turning point to reverse the productivity paradox and enable new auto- mation management techniques and digi- tal best practices that address the long-stand- ing hidden, ignored, or unavoidable causes of lost productivity. Full visibility and control of even the most complex of factory operations for engineers and managers are restored, pro - viding the intelligence with which to identify and eliminate causes of losses. This provides an opportunity for increased flexibility whilst also increasing productivity, quality, on-time delivery, and a reduction of material-related costs. Though the demonstration of CFX—together with the IPC Hermes Standard (which replac- es SMEMA)—at IPC APEX EXPO 2019 is limit- ed in scope due to the nature of an unconnect- ed manufacturing line working live in a trade show environment, the fundamentals will be on display from machine vendors. The latest CFX-enabled MES software tools and experts will be on hand to demonstrate and explain how the use of CFX technology can bring an end to this productivity paradox. I look for- ward to meeting you there. SMT007 Michael Ford is the senior director of emerging industry strategy for Aegis Software. To read past columns or contact Ford, click here. Based in San Francisco, California, Tempo Automation specializes in rapid PCB assembly and on low-volume production for a wide range of board complexities. It recently held an open house at its brand-new facility in the South of Market (SoMa) district—which is normally restricted under customer non-disclosure agreements as well as International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulations—to customers, vendors, local designers, and government officials. The new 42,000 square foot facility occupies two floors with a software-driven automated factory on the first floor, and software development, design for manu- facturability, marketing, and sales teams on the second. I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson was there to attend the open house and witness Tempo's manufac- turing lines. (Read the full article here) Tempo Automation's Open House Raises the Curtain in San Francisco