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42 PCB007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2020 tication of blueprints, information, data, sched- uling, and control that take place, Table 2. Each level has an increasing percentage of machine/ computer content handling the information required to fabricate, schedule, test, or move a product. To learn more about automation tech- niques in PCB manufacturing, download your free copy here and visit I-007eBooks.com to download other educational titles. PCB007 In his book, Automation and Advanced Procedures in PCB Fabrication, Happy Holden characterizes the relationship be- tween mechanization and systemization. The following excerpt from chapter one puts the two methodologies into perspec- tive—a critical distinction to make when updating your manufacturing technologies. A Working Definition of Automation In a working context, automation means more than just automatic ma- chinery. Machinery implies mechani- zation. Automation also means the sys- tem information directs and controls peo- ple, materials, and machines, also known as systemization. Therefore, automation is made up of two components, like a vector: mechanization (material flow) and sys- temization (information flow), Figure 1. Mechanization Classes Mechanization can be divided into six class- es that indicate the amount of sophistication of machines and machine interactions with hu- mans, Table 1. The classes are rated based on the percent of the work done by machines. Systemization Levels Similarly, systemization can be divided into six levels that indicate the amount and sophis- Mechanization vs. Systemization Table 1: Mechanization classes. Figure 1: The automation vector is defined as systemization and mechanization, including material handling and networking between work centers. Table 2: Systemization levels. by Nolan Johnson, I-CONNECT007