Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1411055
SEPTEMBER 2021 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 17 Role of Technology Run time is based on equipment and pro- cesses. In PCB fabrication, this can be com- plex and different for each fabricator. Equip- ment and processes are constantly changing and improving, many times to support new materials, constructions, or applications. But in the last 60 years, it seems like no printed cir- cuit products have been obsoleted; only new products, equipment, or processes, PCB as a product just continue to become more com- plex, like HDI, cavities, flip-chip, flex-rigid, and SLPCBs. Lean Manufacturing Lean manufacturing is where you will find many tutor ials on production control, lead time reduction, and reducing lot size. The manufactur ing strategies that allow smaller lot sizes and shorter lead times are: 1. Just-in-Time: Pull production and continuous flow strategies. 2. Jidoka: Autonomation where the human and machine cooperate to identify defects, eliminate causes, and prevent re-occurrence. 3. Kaizen: Continuous improvement of an individual process to create more value with less waste. 4. Heijunka: Leveling the type and quantity of production over a fixed period of time. 5. 5S: A methodical way to organize your workplace and your working practices. It is split into five phases, each named aer a different Japanese term beginning with the letter "S": Seiri (sorting), Seiton (straight- ening), Seiso (systematic maintenance/ cleaning), Seiketsu (standardize), Shitsuke (sustain). Additional information on Lean manufac- turing can be found in my new I-007eBook, 24 Essential Skills for Engineers. Available Software ere are various available manufacturing ex- ecution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) soware solutions available to- day. ey are a major factor in the Smart Facto- ry and Industry 4.0 strategies (Figure 3). Most Figure 3: ISO95 computer hierarchy for Industry 4.0.