Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1534953
18 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2025 integrity with additional scrutiny. Over time, this feedback loop improves not only detec- tion rates but also understanding of failure mechanisms, feeding back into design, pro- curement, and process engineering. In addition to improving inspection accu- racy, this component-centric data fusion helps with traceability and root cause anal- ysis. When a defect is found in final testing or in the field, having access to the full visual and structural history of the component— what it looked like before placement, how it was soldered, and whether it matched spec- ification—can dramatically shorten diagnos- tic cycles and prevent recurrence. Ultimately, the path to a truly connected SMT line does not rely solely on linking machines, but on connecting insights about each individual component as it progresses through the manufacturing process. By leveraging existing imaging systems, deploy- ing AI to analyse component-level data, and enabling cross-machine communication, manufacturers can transform their inspec- tion systems from reactive gatekeepers into intelligent, proactive quality enablers. is convergence of visual data, artificial intelligence, and system-level connectivity is already reshaping how defects are detected, how authentication is performed, and how decisions are made. e result is a smarter, faster, and more secure production environ- ment, one where quality and security are built in, starting not at the end of the line, but from the very first time a component appears on it. SMT007 A Close Look at Inspection Technologies in the EMS Industry with Juan Briceno, Viscom This discussion includes the impact of artificial intelligence on manufacturing processes and the benefits of 3D inspection techniques for defect detection. The importance of quality control and problem identification through AI is also emphasized.