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APRIL 2020 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 35 Once a factory and its processes and tech- nology are improved, the work can't end there. We must monitor work to improve the processes and enhance production con- trol. When quality engineers work together with factory employees and continuously monitor activities, this improves the ability to prevent quality issues from arising during production, further reducing the lowest total cost. That's a big part of what sustainability means—not just being able to source and ap- prove, but maintaining the quality and the relationship. Design Optimization for Production and Product Quality A sustainable approach to product develop- ment starts with the design of the PCB. To re- duce time-to-market and avoid pitfalls later in the production process that could contribute to reduced yields and the need for recovery ac- tions, it is important to ensure that the design is as robust as possible without compromising any level of functionality or building in any un- necessary complexity. This includes all aspects of DFM from material selection to layout. Doing it right the first time not only relates to quality, but it is also a mindset that helps us to reduce our environmental impact. We know that improved product quality means less scrap, less waste, less energy, and small- er volumes of chemicals used in production. Creating a functioning, optimum solution from tomers and factories—as well as experience— all contribute to the lowest cost. This includes a well-defined process for identifying, evalu- ating, and selecting potential factories. To maintain process control, an approved facto- ry should continue to be monitored with an added level of control until there is confidence that the performance during the probationary period has met expectations. At NCAB, we evaluate each factory's ca- pability and approve the areas where we are convinced the factory will be able to deliver excellence, irrespective of what the factory it- self claims it can produce and deliver. This enables us to select the factory best suited to the technical and commercial requirements of each specific customer product. When the right PCB is in the right factory from the start, this again leads to less waste and a lower cost overall. Visual PCB inspection and testing performed at a partner factory. Team members of NCAB Group Italy during a visit at a partner factory. A sample of chemicals used in PCB production.