Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1456062
72 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 send out several requests for quote (RFQs) for each project, manufacturers end up pro- viding quotes for many more projects than make it into production. Just like for OEMs, EMS companies deal with the differing BOM file types, formats, and content for each cus- tomer, which can lead to inaccurate quotes and problems during production runs. Because of the sheer volume, the ability to create accurate quotes quickly, without tying up process engi- neers, is vital. EMS Quoting Not Just about Pricing Errors in the source data cause delays in quoting or expensive production costs. Global events are also affecting component supply, adding eight to 30 months to the delivery time. Identifying obsolete parts or those near end- of-life is key to effective purchasing. Getting reliable pricing and lead time information is a cumbersome, manual process if done "the old way." Quoting is performed by a costing/pur- chasing department, not part of manufactur- ing. OEMs deal with many of these issues as well, even if under more "controlled" circum- stances. e Valor BOM Connector tool was created to address these challenges and reduce the time needed to create accurate quotations for PCB assemblies. e tool imports and creates tem- plates for BOM files to output a BOM that con- nects directly to the manufacturer's ERP sys- tem. When used with Valor Process Prepara- tion, consistency is ensured with the CAD file so that it can be used to confirm that all parts are appropriate for the board. e soware provides online connectivity to component suppliers, making it simple for manufacturers to check pricing and availability in real time. ey can see which parts match existing inventory in the ERP system, which need to be sourced from component suppliers and, when available, minimum order discount levels. e system can connect with creden- tialed suppliers to conduct automated online searches and queries based on part descrip- tions and ensure that preferential pricing and deliveries are available (Figure 1). e tool also enables keeping a history for each customer. Once a design is received and components are listed, the data can be saved for future projects. Storing the data so Figure 1: Component suppliers have access to give up-to-date pricing and availability information for each part.