Electronics Manufacturing Services

Efficient Purchasing to Accelerate PCB Assembly

2016-03-03T11:00:00.002-08:00

Knowing when to source materials can accelerate the schedule of your PCB build and significantly reduce the transition from engineering design phase to product delivery. Purchasing material too early can result in procuring material that may be unnecessary for the final design. Likewise, waiting too long to begin the purchasing will likely lead to an unnecessarily extended production time. In purchasing timing can make or break a production schedule. Not every build is the same but the following guidelines can provide a path to efficient and timely purchasing decisions.

When a design is 50% complete, it is time to get a budgetary quote and DFM from the PCB fabrication source and an assembly provider. At that time, ask the assembly provider for their list of consigned material requirements. These are an outline of the documents, labeling and material requirements for the assembly process to proceed efficiently and without significant additional preparation.

When the design is 80% complete and the major components have been chosen, it is time to get the initial quote for the component material kit. The list of material requirements for your chosen assembly provider should be provided with the RFQ. The material quote and feedback should be provided within 4 hours to 48 hours from the request.

The feedback on the initial Bill of Materials quote should include:

any obsolete components and suggested options for replacement
lead-time for components and suggested options for items which will impact the initial build
an alert for any components found identified by the manufacturer as End of Life
any components which need additional prep for the assembly process and estimated time

Resolve any issues from the feedback on the initial BoM; finding replacements or approving suggested alternate components. Components, which are design-firm and have a lead-time, should be authorized to be purchased so the component lead-time and finalizing of the design / layout can run concurrent.

With the design 100% complete, the board fabrication and the remainder of the components can be ordered.

If you need help planning our PCB assembly or would like to discuss your upcoming project with a professional project coordinator, send me a note or call. We'll be glad to discuss how we can help to improve your product delivery timeframe.

Cherie@cic-inc.com

www.cic-inc.com

(530) 626-6168

How to Kit Components Prior to Assembly

2016-01-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

Anyone can use the internet to locate and buy the components for a PCB assembly.

Why is "Kitting" important to the PCB Assembly? Kitting is the term used to describe the function of bringing all material requirements together. With all required items received, verified, placed in suitable packaging and given to the assembly facility; the assembly process may then begin. Sounds simple. So why do the Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers encourage professional kitting services?

Professional kitting services can be found within, or independent of, an assembly facility. With either choice, the function of bringing all material requirements together is essential for the assembly process to perform with the highest efficiency. Professional Kitting services far exceed the simple act of finding and buying.

The Bill of Material (BOM) descriptions and the material call-outs are reviewed for any discrepancies.
Authorized sources for materials are to be found and the BEST source for availability and pricing requirements is evaluated and identified.
If availability conflicts with the assembly timeline, options need to be found and presented to the BOM owner for approval.
A Costed BOM should be given to the purchaser of the Kit or BOM owner for approval prior to any purchase.
With approval, the purchasing is completed based on the Costed BOM.
All purchased materials are tracked to ensure on-time delivery.
Incoming materials are counted, inspected and verified with the manufacturers datasheet to ensure the item ordered is the item received.
Industry standards for ESD prevention are utilized to ensure the condition of all components.
Materials are identified, organized and packaged to present to the assembly for efficient production.

Professional kitting services are appreciated for the many functions performed, especially the pre-screening and verification of the electronic components. No assembly line should EVER be down due to incorrect or missing components! Using a professional kitting service ensures the efficient assembly process and timely delivery of PCB projects.

When evaluating professional kitting service providers, please include CIC, Inc. on the list. California Integration Coordinators, Inc. has focused exclusively on kitting services since 1988 and is continually setting the bar for all kitting service providers. For more information call for any of the Project Coordinators (530) 626-6168 or email cic@cic-inc.com.

Acknowledging the Electronic Manufacturing Craftsman

2015-12-15T14:40:00.001-08:00

Purchasing and engineering can sometimes mistakenly classify the production of the electronic assembly as a commodity.

There is true craftsmanship in those performing electronics manufacturing services. Artisans perform the design for manufacturability review, quote the BOM components, source creatively to keep the build on time, kit and prepare the components for assembly, engineer the assembly process and artisans place the components.

The dictionary definition of Craftsmanship: a member of a skilled trade; someone who practices a craft; artisan.

Synonyms for craftsmanship (noun skill, creativity)

aptitude, artistry, expertise, inventiveness, knowledge, mastery, method, profession

An online search of Electronics Manufacturingturns up pages of options; one begins to imagine why it could be mistakenly identified as a commodity. Look below the surface and the differences begin to emerge. The variety of equipment, specialized skills and focus, all help to differentiate one from another. When searching for the perfect partner for an electronic assembly, understand the skills needed for the assembly.

Matching the PCB assembly needs with the skilled artisans can be difficult, but a bad match can cause a project to miss the timeline or the performance projections. Do your due diligence to find the right match. Understand the assembly requirements; search for local talent, get referrals, and interview the artisans.

Electronic manufacturing services are not a commodity. We are fortunate to have such skilled artisans available. Collaboration and partnerships with talented individuals will positively impact any PCB assembly projects.

(530) 626-6168 or email Cherie Myers

Capabilities of CIC, Inc.

2015-11-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

California Integration Coordinators, Inc. has focused on Procurement and Kitting electronic components for PCB Assemblies since 1988. We've developed processes and proprietary software which allow us to present a real-time quote for components, including lead-time, availability, and part number clarifications, within hours. Our goal is to compliment our customer's needs as a partner.

CIC's experienced project coordinators are assigned to a customer. This central point of contact specializes in understanding the individual requirements and expectations of that customer. It's like having a Personal Shopper for your PCB Assemblies.

We've helped numerous customers through the years. The following is an example of a typical engagement.

CIC was approached for the component kitting of prototype boards. The potential customer had a staff of production buyers utilizing an established MRP system equipped to forecast and manage long-term production builds. Unfortunately, their system was not nimble enough to adjust for quick-turn prototype production. The MRP system could not manage components in the reduced timeframe. The customer needed a side by side system which would compliment not complicate. California Integration Coordinators methodology offered the perfect partnership.

Customer Service and Support is a major element of our overall performance; so much so that it is measured internally as a quality standard.

It is our goal to acknowledge the RFQ from a customer and begin working on the quote within minutes of receipt.
It is not always possible due to custom parts or overseas factory confirmations, but it is our goal to provide a Costed BOM and formal quote within 24 hours.
The CIC project coordinators acknowledge a new customer Purchase Order within 30 minutes from receipt, order all materials per the PO within 60 minutes and provide assurance of the specified dock date within 24 hours.

Consider:

Have you been involved with recent small PCB assemblies?

Was the timeline for the project extended? Were there any communication delays which jeopardized the project?

Did you have to "cross your fingers" and hope it all came out right?

Please discuss your project expectations with us. You may be amazed how little it costs to add quality and timeliness to your PCB assembly project. www.cic-inc.comor Cherie@cic-inc.com

5 reasons to outsource PCB component kitting

2015-09-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

PCB assembly is the process of placing all electronic components on the printed circuit board exactly as the design plan dictates. Some assembly designs can require 100's of different components. Those components are purchased through a variety of Authorized Distributors. With complicated builds requiring hundreds of components it is not unusual to purchase from 5 to 15 different distribution sources.

Imagine the time, attention and manpower it takes to place, receive, inspect, approve and organize for line readiness:

· 15 separate shipments

· 15 email notifications/issue alerts

· 15 packages to track

· 15 boxes to inspect

Now imagine the outsource option requiring 1 purchase order. Shortly after placing the purchase order you receive 1 complete kit containing all the components required, with each component type already inspected, full trace-ability documented, and prepared for the assembly line.

Top 5 Reasons to Outsource

#1 - The electronic component kit is TIME (which can be translated to multiple trained, skilled staff members). TIME = MONEY

#2 - Eliminating the numerous problems which arise with distribution warehouse picking errors, damage in shipping, etc. These issues take time to resolve.

#3 - The knowledge base gained when partnering with outsourced staff whose only role is to understand the marketplace, the various manufacturer's, the requirements of the assembly floor. Partnering with a staff that is knowledgeable on how to calculate assembly attrition, read datasheets, understand the part numbering systems and find alternate sources or drop-in replacement components to recommend.

#4 - The efficiency gained in the PCB assembly process. The electronic component kit is prepared to be auditable, quick and efficient. With a successful audit, the PCB pick and place assembly process can begin immediately saving precious TIME ( = MONEY) for the assembly.

#5 - Full trace-ability of all the components. Lot codes, date codes and distribution sources should held for at least 2 years to aid in identifying any errant issue down the road.

Outsourcing procurement and kitting has proven to be a very successful option for OEM's and assembly facilities. The cost savings and efficiency gained by partnering with a kitting source can more than pay for the service! www.cic-inc.com

3 Options for Kitting PCB Quick-Turn Projects

2015-09-03T14:38:00.001-07:00

The process of purchasing and kitting of electronic components for PCB assemblies can have challenges, but none more than a quick-turn or a quick timeframe. For projects, such as prototypes, which are scheduled to be built in 10 days or less with a limited quantity, the challenges can be daunting.

Focusing on the components only, envision the time it will take to load the MRP system with the BOM, schedule the project, and run the MRP / issue the purchase orders. How many days are to be allocated to these processes?

Purchasing and processing flexibility, speed and accuracy are required to have the materials “assembly-line ready” for quick-turn projects. Available purchasing staff with a strong skill-set to propose In-Stock options, understand sourcing options, and problem-solve quickly are vital to a successful project. If a purchasing staff cannot be allocated on short notice, or if the current processing systems cannot be tailored for quick-turns, you have options.

1. Depending on the MRP system, schedule a build of one (parent) and use the BOM ID as the place holder. Do not import or load the requirements. Use a spreadsheet of the BOM requirements and assign to a staff member capable of searching for stock for each of the BOM requirements. Place either credit card orders or manual PO's to procure the requirements.

2. Again, depending on the MRP system, import the BOM and set for manual scheduling. Do NOT send out RFQ's. Assign a buyer to immediately source and procure based on search engines for electronic component distributors.

3. Outsourcing is available for purchasing and kitting of electronic components required for quick-turns. Without impacting the current staff or trying to muscle the processing systems, consider adding an "ace up your sleeve” to your team; make the magic happen!

With one call, you can add a dedicated Project Coordinator to your team. A professional, capable of quoting, sourcing, and offering options for a typical BOM in less than one day. Once the decision is made to proceed with the assembly, the Coordinator places all orders for materials within 60 minutes. The assembly line can be ready to set-up in four days with materials verified, inspected, and documented.

Interested in discussing a Quick-Turn PCB project with a professional ready to become part of your team? Call (530) 626-6168 and ask to speak to a Project Coordinator.

Cherie@cic-inc.com or visit our website www.cic-inc.com

Material Kitting variations based on PCB Assembly facility

2015-07-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

The process of procuring PCB component materials and kitting varies depending on the requirement of PCB Assembly facility chosen. If the kitting source does not take the assembly requirements into consideration, there could be a great deal of waste and over-expenditure for the PCB materials.

Choose the assembly facility prior to preparing a quote for the PCB component materials.

There are several standard assembly requirements found within the industry. Depending upon automated Pick and Place equipment and assembly engineering staff, assembly material requirements at Assembly facility #1 might be:

1. All materials must be on 7" or 13" reels with minimum 18" leader and trailers.
2. Trays are acceptable.
3. No rails/tubes
4. No cut tape or 3" reels.

Material requirements at Assembly facility #2 might be:

1. Cut tape with minimum 12" leader and trailer is acceptable
2. Trays, rails/tubes are acceptable
3. Accept bulk items when packaged and identified properly.

Material requirements at Assembly facility #3 might be:

1. Cut tape with minimum 8" leader is acceptable (no metal joiners/brads)
2. Trays, rails/tubes are acceptable
3. Accept bulk items when packaged and identified properly.

The quantity of the current PCB build and cost is not the only factor when choosing the Assembly facility. Other considerations include investment of NRE costs for multiple, future builds; proximity and transportation; engineering capabilities; and on-site add-on services such as testing, packaging, etc.

All other considerations set aside, it is typically most cost effective to choose assembly capabilities consistent with Assembly facility #2 when populating 5 - 100 boards. Assembly facility's with #3's criteria work great when populating 1-10 boards depending on complexity. When running a high volume of boards or when multiple set-ups may be required, requirements at Assembly facility #1 might prove to be the most cost effective option.

The procurement and preparation of PCB component materials taking into account the requirements of the assembly facility will be most accurate and will allow the assembly process to be efficient and cost effective.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss these options further, contact us at cherie@cic-inc.com or call (530) 626-6168 and ask to speak to a Project Coordinator.

Advantages of Outsourcing for Electronic Component Procurement

2015-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

We have come to learn that not all things are equal in outsourcing.

At one time outsourcing was a way to eliminate routine, low skill business functions. The other side of outsourcing is that it can be a great tool for the growth and efficiency of business. Procurement outsourcing has earned its place as a key advantage for high-end, technical business applications.

Electronic component procurement outsourcing is a resource that makes use of specialists with skills, assets, and expertise that are specific to your industries needs. It is imperative that the person procuring components has a strong background in the electronics industry, not just in general purchasing. This kind of expertise allows a fluid transition from concept to creation, allowing you to focus on the core competencies of your business. Your procurement specialist has the contacts, expertise, and buying leverage to see your project to completion on time and on budget.

Outsourcing through a specialist in the electronics industry means that the risks associated with product procurement and unexpected costs resulting from erroneous components and the resulting downtime are minimized.

Today’s businesses rely on continual improvement to products and processes. This same rule should be considered when selecting a company to fill your procurement needs. Here is a list of questions to ask when selecting a company to fulfill your electronic purchasing needs:

Does this company have a reputation of outstanding customer satisfaction among its peers?

Does this company have a measurable plan for continuous improvement in efficiency and productivity?

Does this company have the certifications necessary to meet the standards of your industry?

Does this company have staff with knowledge in your specific industry that will allow them to maximize the benefits to your company?

Please consider California Integration Coordinators, Inc. an ISO 9001 certified company specializing in PCB and PCB related sourcing, kitting and procurement for over 27 years.

Challenges of Lean Manufacturing in High Mix/Low Volume

2015-03-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing in the USA has undergone highs and lows over the last 20 years. This is especially true in the assembly of printed circuit boards. There have been the high times with numerous manufacturing sites popping up, investing in state of the art equipment and running 24 hours with 2 to 3 shift changes.

The most enticing manufacturing projects are high volumes of a stable product with no variables. These jobs run long enough to develop lean processes and efficient material handling.

There are many products which do not have a high volume demand such as medical equipment or semi-custom products. Some electronic manufacturing facilities accept a mix of high volume assembly projects along with the smaller build quantities. Boutique assembly houses tend to cater exclusively to the low volume projects and have found their niche market.

There are challenges unique to running multiple variations / projects through assembly in low volumes:

· High demand on administrative processes and scheduling to maintain floor capacity
· Documentation and labor in machine changeovers
· Employee training
· Lack frequency and/or volume to develop lean processes or process improvements
· System management and data entry of P/N's used only used once
· Material handling costs for ordering /pulling, verifying, and staging for set-up

Despite the challenges, there are electronic manufacturing facilities which have developed the expertise to provide high quality, affordable, low volume assemblies. Employee retention and healthy partnerships may be two of the keys to address the challenges.

· Employee training can be minimized with strong retention, good initial documentation and established best practices for small volume builds will cultivate lean processes at the start.
· System management and data entry of P/N's to feed MRP as well as managing material handling issues can be resolved by outsourcing to a kitting provider to allow absolute focus on producing a quality assembly.

Focus, focus, focus. Success is found in focusing on the strong suit and partnering with others who do the same.

You can do anything, but not everything. --Anonymous

Controlling Costs moving PCB Design to Assembly

2015-02-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

Design and layout are generally the most labor intensive elements of any new PC Board. Once complete and moving into the realization stage, material component costs are typically 80% of the overall assembly costs.

Message:

· put safe guard measures in to all aspects of design and layout

· pay special attention to materials for realization

Utilize the software checks for design and layout. Follow design guidelines and have the files double checked prior to board fabrication.

Use a professional material procurement source for the kitting of the components prior to the assembly process. A professional procurement source will:

· double check the BOM for part descriptions to match the assigned manufacturer's part number

· provide lead-times and search for in-stock alternates to suggest for engineering approval

· provide alert for any components Mfg has designated for "End of Life"

· provide cost and can suggest cost saving alternates for engineering approval

· Scrub BOM - filling passive call-outs with Mfg and Mfg P/N for procurement

2nd and 3rd spins can eat a project budget quickly. Spend time and money wisely with professional services to reap the benefits of a project well done.

California Integration Coordinators, Inc. has been providing professional procurement sourcing and kitting for 27 years with a full staff of experienced project coordinators. Contact me with any questions or to discuss your upcoming project - Cherie Myers

More information at www.cic-inc.com

Successful Partnerships for PCB Assembly Services

2014-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Numerous aspects are involved in the PCB Assembly; board fabrication, component procurement, programming and set-up for assembly, component placement, quality inspection and testing (if applicable).

For prototype PCB Assemblies special consideration should be given to the processes used before, during and after the manufacturing. Experienced partnerships add substantial value to both manufacturability and production quality.

· Partner directly with a board fabrication provider. The board fabrication engineering group will review the functionality but also will perform a DFM (design for manufacturability) review. This value added process often costs little to nothing but can save the project.

· Partner directly with a component procurement specialist. The Costed BOM will be provided and should include all information regarding pricing as well as availability. If the prototype project has a timeline, alternate components should be presented by the procurement specialist to keep the project on time. The value of the vitality check and part number verification can be a cost-effective source of information. The procurement specialist also provides the assembly line-ready Kit for assembly saving valuable assembly prep time.

· Partner directly with an assembly facility which is capable of accepting components in various media types for placement. The assembly facility able to place components from cut tape, tube and trays will allow the components to be sourced in the most economical methods possible. Prototypes often will have minor changes and draining the budget for a full reel of components, which may be removed from the BOM later, can be costly.

· Partner directly with an assembly facility which can provide DFM prior to the PCB build and thorough inspections after the build. The outcome of the DFM and inspection reports should be shared with the design team to review for potential improvements prior to production quantity builds.

· Partner directly with a test facility if needed. The quality of the information and the engineering insight can save precious budget money and time for the design engineers.

We look forward to questions, comments and your insight. Email Cherie@cic-inc.com

California Integration Coordinators, Inc. "Helping people build electronic products"

Visit http://www.cic-inc.com/manufacturing.php

Reduce the timeline for PCB Assemblies

2014-11-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

Speed is often everything in taking products from development to release. The faster the delivery of the "brains" (assembled printed circuit boards), the quicker to testing, making adjustments and launch can occur. The biggest obstacle to overcome is often the board level component lead-times.

Sometimes your product's unique performance is linked directly to a unique component. Unique components often are not STOCK but special order items. Lead-times are a PCB manufacturing reality. Identifying your boards unique components early in the design process and planning your development timeline will allow the components to be pre-ordered and arrive prior to the day your printed circuit boards will be assembled.

Fluctuations in basic material availability, component demand and "mother nature" can create lead time challenges in commonly available components. You can prepare by identifying alternates at the design phase and choosing drop-in replacements from different manufacturers.

If possible, avoid choosing components at the far end of the spectrum on a manufacturer's datasheet. For instance, if a capacitor is available in a specific package from 4 volts to 150 volts from one manufacturer and all other manufacturers offering range is between 6.3 volts and 100 volts, consider utilizing the more common range.

Have an electronic components life-cycle check done for all board level components. Make sure the components (especially the unique components) aren't identified for obsolescence during your planned active product life cycle. Software is available to aid in quick checks for alternates, life-cycle verifications, etc.

Any additional thoughts for minimizing the time from concept to market? Please share as we are always trying to find new ways to help our customers build to meet their time-frame.

Cherie@cic-inc.com

www.cic-inc.com

Why our electronic component kits are so appreciated

2014-10-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

There is numerous staff involved in the successful delivery of an electronic component kit for PCB assemblies. The staff least visible have the most impact. I'd like to introduce our kitting staff.

Daily, the kitting staff doubles as the receiving-inspectors and conducts the product verification. They count the incoming items, compare the count against the purchase order, verify the part markings against the datasheet, and compare the description of the part with the bill of materials.

The kitters work with amazing accuracy under the pressure of shipping deadlines; can pick out a one digit difference on a 15 digit part number, can find the datasheet information to confirm the package and the part marking, and are able to quickly produce the paper document package the assembly house will require (kit list, labels, excess instructions, bar coding, etc.). The kitting staff put together the final presentation of the complete kit and the documentation for the customer; making each one beautiful in its organization of material all wrapped up in pink bubble wrap.

So often, it is the least visible contributors to a project that have the most significant impact. So many recipient assembly line staff claim our kits are the best and trust the component accuracy for efficient line set-up. The project coordinators on the front line graciously accept the compliments, but want you to know who is behind the kits; our kitting staff.

Our appreciation to the kitting staff at California Integration Coordinators, Inc. We truly appreciate the quality for which our organization has come to be known.

Want to know more about electronic component kitting? Contact me and I'd be glad to share the details. Cherie@cic-inc.com

More about the organization at www.cic-inc.com

Made in USA

2014-10-03T08:35:00.002-07:00

Does "Made in the USA" matter? Do companies that make products in the USA find value in the distinction?

According to several polls and some recent research, it does make a difference. Consumer Reports article from February 2013 (http://consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/02/made-in-america/index.htm) covered a broad spectrum of manufacturing, labeling practices and consumer sentiment. In addition to a manufacturer believing in keeping their loyalties and their money in the USA, consumers were also influenced by corporate responsibility, environmental policies and ethics.

Do you believe in MADE IN USA?

Electronics manufacturing is often cited as an example of products being made outside of this country to maintain competitive pricing. Some OEM's have argued that the United States does not have the skilled labor and machinery to compete.

Much has been written to encourage manufacturing in the USA and to bring pressure to manufacturers to reconsider outsourcing overseas. Each manufacturer needs to take a look at their corporate responsibility and decide what they are reasonably able to do. CIC, Inc. is proud to be a service provider to the electronic manufacturing industry who strives to purchase American made components, recommend American made components and encourage American electronic printed circuit board assembly.

Is MADE IN USA an option to explore? Does it make sense for US companies of electronics manufacturing especially in the prototype and pre-production stages? CIC, Inc. manages full-turnkey PCBA projects and specializes in procurement and kitting for those projects. Get a quote and see if MADE IN USA can be possible.

www.cic-inc.com

Quoting Tools

2014-08-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

As Electronic Component Procurement and Kitting Service providers, we're continually asked about our Quoting Tools. What software do you prefer? How do you handle the RFQ submissions to suppliers? How many days or weeks do you average for your complete PCB material quote for the OEM project?

We have not found a tool which can compare to a well trained Project Coordinator in speed or accuracy.

EMS buyers have software / quoting tools which require the data be "scrubbed"; manufacturer's part numbers verified and data put into an upload ready format. Distributor sales representatives, interfacing with tools on the receiving side of an RFQ, also need to verify data and work out any kinks. Distribution often does not see all the information the customer provided, so any discrepancies are sent back to the EMS buyer as UNKNOWN or NO BID.

Many of the stand-alone software tools, or ERP interface quote tools, require a great deal of user training but do they train buyers to be Project Coordinators?

EMS Project Coordinators are unique in their skill set and tenure matures them into valuable, key members of any EMS Project Team. The difference is their ability to resolve manufacturing part number discrepancies quickly and to interface with the customer to ensure accuracy in quoting. Project Coordinators skills also include the ability to read and understand manufacturer's datasheets, find potential alternates to suggest to customer's when lead-time or obsolescence challenge a customer's timeline. Given all the resources available, Project Coordinators can accurately and quickly source materials and document price, availability, lead-time and manufacturer's part number status (i.e. NRND, Non-Stocking, Last Time Buy, etc.) for the OEM customer.

Tools and software interface can have its reward but the human element still beats the current options.

Questions?? CIC-INC.com

I'd love to discuss adding a Project Coordinator to your upcoming project:

Cherie@CIC-INC.com or (530) 626-6168

Electronic Component Inventory Management

2014-06-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Staff Contributor – Darrin Richards

The subject of managing inventory has been demonstrated and illustrated many times over. So much so, employees, supervisors, and managers are bored with the topic.

However, the focus is redirected and the interest increases when the topic is on how to manage your customer’s inventory of electronic components after an assembly job of PC boards. There is a sense of pride when the emphasis is on customer owned inventory and that “feel-good” feeling is realized once the cost savings is reported and the appreciation is received.

The importance of managing excess inventory is equal to the component procurement process and acquiring those hard-to-find long lead items. The underlining goal is to reduce PC assembly costs wherever possible. And it begins with proper management of excess inventory.

With a well-maintained inventory management process in place, the costs incurred by buying components only as requiredover the life of a PC board are captured. Also, the following are potentially alleviated:

· Multiple purchase orders (internal personnel costs / overhead costs)

· Multiple shipping costs

· Multiple handling, inspection, and documentation of components

· Shortages due to component manufacturing fluctuations

· Unanticipated component obsolescence

In addition to saving internal labor and processing costs, there is also the value of purchasing at a higher volume and having longer reaction time to shortages or component obsolescence.

Inventory management of electronic components, specifically excess materials, still carry a cost. The handling and counting of materials contain a cost associated with the process, but those costs return major savings in comparison to over-procuring components on an "as needed basis" for reoccurring PC assembly jobs.

Lastly, understanding the potential savings to justify the investment of materials upfront must be identified. An evaluation of such savings needs to include:

· How many printed circuit boards are required each year?

· Are there multiple boards with common components?

· What is the current and projected PC build schedule?

If you are interested in having an evaluation performed, please let us know. Call (530) 626-6168 or send a note to either darrin@cic-inc.comor cherie@cic-inc.com

Finding alternate electronic components

2014-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

During the course of purchasing electronic components to fulfill a Bill of Material (BOM), it is possible to come across a requirement that cannot be sourced. Either the component has been listed as obsolete by a manufacturer or has a significant lead-time which jeopardizes a PCBA project timeline. Now what? Numerous options exist to try to keep the PCBA timeline. An evaluation of the situation can be accomplished by following some of these suggestions.

1. For passive components, can a tighter tolerance or a higher voltage be a simple option?

2. Can the component be crossed to another component the original manufacturer may have designed to be a supersession; such as an upgraded component with additional features, etc.? Open and compare the datasheets to ensure the Form, Fit, and Function are similar enough to pursue consideration. Often, the manufacturer will note the supersession and will outline the additional features on the newest datasheet.

3. Can the component be crossed to a "like" component from a different manufacturer?

· The easiest source is the "like" component manufacturer themselves. Search the manufacturer website for a Cross Reference page. By entering in the original component, the Cross Reference may indicate a comparable component.

· Use an authorized distributor's website to see if a suggested alternate is listed by doing a search for the original component part number.

· Subscribe to an electronic component search authority. Several online organizations exist which sell subscriptions to their services and have engineering approved alternates available.

· Use an authorized distributor's parameter search to locate potential alternates. This is the most difficult of the search options, as the datasheet comparison must be thorough and approved by the original design engineer. (Keep in mind that some component packages identified on datasheets may be manufacturer specific. Always compare the footprints.)

4. Can the component be found with an independent distributor? If pursuing this option, proceed with caution but keep in mind that some OEM's have discontinued or reduced the use of a component and have too much stock. They need an outlet to move the excess inventory.

When challenged with fulfilling BOM requirements issues will often occur. Hopefully, you will find the ideas provided to address these issues helpful.

Overcoming issues is a challenge the Project Coordinators at California Integration Coordinators, Inc. face and overcome daily. We are professionals focused solely on electronic component procurement and kitting for the assembly process.

We are always seeking additional ideas for dealing with the challenges of sourcing electronic component for an upcoming PCB assembly projects. Please share your ideas with us with an email to Cherie@cic-inc.com or calling (530) 626-6168.

Definition of Kitting in a Printed Circuit Board Assembly application

2014-04-07T11:35:00.002-07:00

What Items Can Be Kitted?

Kitting is commonly used for electronic and board hardware components prior to the assembly process for printed circuit boards. All components are verified, documented for traceability, and labeled for the specific circuit board scheduled for pick and place. The prepared customized kit is then shipped to the EMS (chosen assembly facility) as one unit.

Why choose a Kitting Service?

Ordering, handling, packaging, and storing components can be very time consuming and expensive. Kitting services can reduce the handling costs at the point of use, minimizing storage space, while providing a cost-effective solution that ensures all needed parts are provided when they are needed.

Easier Procurement – With kitting, one purchase order takes the place of several purchase orders and there are far less SKUs to manage. Ordering kits with a single part number instead of many individual items makes your purchasing and accounts payable departments more efficient.

Greater Control of Inventory – Kits reduce the amount of stock numbers to manage and improve the productivity of the Stockroom and Pre-assembly Auditing staff.

Improved Organization & Space Reduction – Kits make it much easier and more efficient to organize components. Instead of pulling individual parts from multiple locations, all necessary components are within one shipment along with a Kit List outlining the quantity provided, the media type all in Line Item order. Kits also remove the possible mistakes by pulling from a stockroom.

Saving Time - Shipping and receiving time is reduced because parts come in one kit versus multiple items that would otherwise have to be stocked individually.

Less Labor and Increased Savings – Pre-sorted kits save time and labor by ensuring all necessary components are available at the point of assembly. If parts are not in Kit form, there are many more steps involved to search through inventory, pull parts and log usage. Plus, individually-managed parts can be difficult to locate, which triggers extra man-hours and delays in production.

Greater Efficiencies – Having all necessary parts readily available when needed makes your operation more efficient; it allows the customer to focus on what it does best (manufacturing) and allows the industrial distributor to do what they do best (supply chain management).

Interested in learning more about Kitting Services? Please call Cherie at (530) 626-6168 or send a note to Cherie@cic-inc.com. Additional information can be found at www.cic-inc.com.

Adding Value for PCBA Material Kits

2014-03-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

There can be various sources for Printed Circuit Board Material Kits for the Assembly of the PCB's.

An Assembly facility or Engineer might choose to order from multiple material sources direct, they might choose a distributor who advertises Kitting services, or they could choose a Kitting Service Provider. Not all sources provide the same level of services so it's good to understand the services provided by those sources and the value those services bring to a project.

Assembly facilities could look for added value from material source(s) with:

Timely turn on material RFQ's
Open quote / order status reports
Clean Kits (materials confirmed)
Easy to audit Kit and line ready
Attrition / media based on assembly floor requirements

OEM Engineers / Project Mgrs could look for added value from material source(s) with:

Quotes to source every BOM requirement
Timely turn on RFQ's
Open quote / order status reports
Suggest alternates for obsolete or long lead-time (whenever possible)
Focus on the project timeframe to meet build due date
Offer best PC board fabrication and assembly sources to balance expertise and cost
Source from Manufacturers direct or from Authorized Distribution only
Inspect and verify incoming materials to manufacturer's datasheet
Be able to provide evidence of traceability to manufacturers on materials for at least 12 months
Manage all excess materials to utilize and reduce cost on future PC builds

If your project could benefit from the additional services which add value and timeliness, consider contacting California Integration Coordinators, Inc. to discuss your project requirements.

www.cic-inc.com or call me (530) 626-6168

Problems in PCB Paradise

2013-12-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Guest Blogger : Justin Cary

Your design team has just completed your newest PCB project and sent off the final Gerber’s to customer “X”. You can finally relax knowing that soon your newest PCB design will be headed through the board fabrication process and into your customer’s hands. It is a great day.

Is that your phone ringing?

Oh, it’s your customer, probably calling to congratulate you on a job well done. You eagerly answer your phone expecting the praise your perfect PCB board design deserves. Smiling happily (because they can hear it when you smile) you answer your phone in your cheeriest voice. “Hi, Steve! What do you think of the … design…?”

You don’t hear them smiling on the other end of the line. In fact, this is not the reception you expected at all. “Say that again.” You get in edgewise. “Did you just say that IC is OBSOLETE?”

“Yes,” the very angry voice on the other end of the line says. “And half the components you called out have lead times of 8 weeks or more. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Of course, you say in your most confident voice. I am sure I can procure some alternates for you.”

The voice on the line begins to simmer down and by the end the conversation you have promised to find a solution to his problems right away.

But you’re a designer. The design was good. If only there was a resource out there that could do this work for you so you could get back to what you’re really good at, design. It would be great to have a kitting and procurement “ace” up your sleeve right now.

But no! You get to slog though search engines to finding an alternate. Instead of some well deserved R&R it’s websites and data sheets for you, Buddy!

The next day as your relating this disaster to your colleagues at the office and explaining that this is why you aren’t your bright eyed and bushy tailed usual self this morning. Your mentor; laughing and shaking her head, pulls you aside. ”Why are you doing all this. You’re a designer. Let me send you a link to California Integration Coordinators.”

Your colleague sends you the link and as you begin looking over their site you realize this is exactly the kind of expert service you needed to help you out of last night’s debacle.

With 25 years of PCB kitting and procurement experience and an excellent reputation in the industry you realize that they could have headed off the problems that ruined your previous evening. They have the expertise to suggest component alternates, source materials, and provide your customer with a professionally kitted, pick-and-place ready product. All that searching that has you drinking your sixth cup of coffee for the day could have been handled for you.

http://cic-inc.com/ 530 626-6168

Attrition Guidelines for PCB Assembly from a Kitting Perspective

2013-10-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

To ensure the success of a PCBA, the materials must be procured to meet the assembly criteria. The assembly criteria and intended processes need to be shared with the kitting staff prior to the quoting and procuring of materials.

Important criteria to be identified and understood include the type of assembly processes required:

· Will assembly produce a First Article for approval prior to completing the build?

· Is there a plan for multiple set-ups and tear-downs of the assembly line to accomplish the full build quantity?

Multiple set-ups and tear-downs will require extra material. There is an inherent loss involved with each process and the material excess must be gauged properly to avoid running out of required material for placement.

Additional criteria to be considered is the type of placement equipment:

·         Will this placement be done by hand?
·         If not, does the equipment to be used for this build require all materials be on reels?
·         Is there a leader / trailer requirement identified by the assembly facility which should be used when planning the materials?

Understanding the intended assembly process and unique requirements is critical to quoting and procuring materials to accommodate the PCB Assembly, and ensure the success of the build.

Success of each and every PCB Assembly quoted, procured and kitted by California Integration Coordinators, Inc. undergoes the scrutiny of the intended processes and placement.

If you have any questions or comments regarding Attrition Guidelines, we'd welcome your input. Contact me at Cherie@cic-inc.comor call (530) 626-6168.

www.cic-inc.com ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Advantages of Specialized Outsourcing

2013-10-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

We have come to learn that not all things are equal in outsourcing. At one time outsourcing was a way to eliminate routine, low skill, business functions. There is another side of outsourcing that is often overlooked and which can be a great tool for the growth and efficiency of business. Procurement outsourcing has earned its place as a key advantage for high-end, technical business applications.

Procurement outsourcing is a resource that makes use of specialists with skills, assets, and expertise that are specific to your industries needs. In high tech industries it is imperative that the person procuring components has background in your industry. This kind of expertise allows a fluid transition from concept to creation, allowing you to focus on the core competencies of your business. Your procurement specialist has the contacts, expertise, and buying leverage to see your project to completion on time and on budget.

Outsourcing through a specialist in the electronics industry means that the risks associated with product procurement and unexpected costs resulting from misorders and the resulting downtime are minimized.

Today’s businesses rely on continual improvement to products and processes. This same rule should be considered when selecting a company to fill your procurement needs. Here is a list of questions to ask when selecting a company to represent your purchasing and procurement needs:

1. Do they have a reputation of outstanding customer satisfaction?

2. Do they have a measurable plan for continuous improvement in efficiency and productivity?

3. Do they have the certifications necessary to meet the standards of your industry?

4. Do they have staff with knowledge in electronic components that will allow them to maximize the benefits to your company?

If you are interested in continuing this conversation regarding the benefits of procurement outsourcing please contact us. California Integration Coordinators, Inc. is an ISO 9001 certified company specializing in PCB and PCB related sourcing, kitting and procurement for over 25 years. www.cic-inc.com

Electronic Component Traceability

2013-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, there have been numerous articles and guidelines published to help the electronics community understand and avoid suspect materials. As a trusted electronics project management service provider, we source, procure and kit for PCB assemblies while protecting our customer’s product.

We've recently incorporated a couple steps to our processes; our 25 year reputation is worth a little added effort!

Rule 1. Buy components only through Authorized Distribution and/or the Manufacturer.

If a component is obsolete or cannot be crossed and we are forced to go to an Independent Distributor or a Broker, we proceed very cautiously. The customer is given the opportunity to approve the source, request component testing, or provide another solution.

Rule 2. All components received, despite the source, are counted and then visually inspected.

The inspection includes the part markings, the condition of the component and the packaging. Distributors warehouse staff can make mistakes; wrong part being shipped under the ordered part number have been found. This bit of detective work is aided by using a good digital microscope and the manufacturer’s datasheet to confirm the part ordering number with the part received; verifying the part marking.

Rule 3. Handle components following the ANSI/ESD S20.20 - 2007 Standard.

Internal procedures should validate the working environment and ensure confidence in the ability to avoid an ESD event during handling.

Rule 4. Distributor’s and manufacturer’s package labeling or documentation will include the lot code/date code of the components and other valuable traceability information.

Retain this information for determined length of time (a minimum of 12 months). This proof of traceability to the manufacturer is valuable should a component not perform to specifications.

Avoiding counterfeit materials is becoming quite a challenge. I believe the customer who chooses to outsource the procurement of electronic components deserves and expects the highest level of confidence in the end product.

If you have found additional processes which can help in the avoidance of counterfeit components, please share them with me. cherie@cic-inc.comor (530) 626-6168.

25th Anniversary Celebration Series

2013-03-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Introduction to the Staff

Focus on Debby Verry

Debby has been with CIC, Inc. for almost 12 years.

Roles and Responsibilities as the Lab Manager include leading and supervising the manufacturing, re-calibration and repair of ADM flow meters with a staff of four.

The following is the interview with Debby:

Describe your favorite part of your current responsibilities

My favorite is the people I work with. The challenge of getting the product out. Helping our customers solve their problems. I really like every aspect of my job.

What is special about CIC, Inc. reaching the 25th Anniversary mark?

CIC is a small company that thrives even in the hard economic times because it is a company with integrity. It embraces the changes that may be required to meet our customers needs. It is a great place to work which is evident by the long term employment history of the majority of the employees and everyone is invested in it's success. 25 years is a long time and we could not be more proud to be a part of it!

Debby came to CIC after 12 years with J.E.I. as the Manager of assembly and 3 years with Tektronix working in Special Products.

During this year of celebration we want to highlight our employees and say Thank You.

If you want extend a note of Congratulations to our staff, please send it to CIC@cic-inc.com.

If you'd like to learn more about us, visit www.cic-inc.com.

Kitting Materials for PCB Assembly

2013-02-04T14:38:00.001-08:00

Anyone can use the internet to locate and buy the components needed to build a PC board.

Why is "Kitting" important to the PCB Assembly? Kitting is the term used to describe the function of bringing all material requirements together. With all required items received, placed in a suitable package and given to the assembly facility, the assembly process may then begin. Sounds simple. So why do the Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers encourage professional kitting services?

Professional kitting services can be found within, or independent of, an assembly facility. With either choice, the function of bringing all material requirements together is essential for the assembly process to perform with the highest efficiency. The function of professional kitting goes far beyond the simple act of finding and buying.

· The Bill of Material (BOM) descriptions and the material call-outs are reviewed for any discrepancies.

· Authorized sources for materials are to be found and the BEST source for availability and pricing requirements is evaluated and identified.

· If availability conflicts with the assembly timeline, options need to be found and presented to the BOM owner for approval.

· A Costed BOM should be given to the purchaser of the Kit or BOM owner for approval prior to any purchase.

· With approval, the purchasing is completed based on the Costed BOM.

· All purchased materials are tracked to ensure on-time delivery.

· Incoming materials are counted, inspected and verified with the manufacturers datasheet to ensure the item ordered is the item received.

· Industry standards for ESD prevention are utilized to ensure the condition of all components.

· Materials are identified, organized and packaged to present to the assembly for efficient production.

When evaluating professional kitting service providers, please include CIC, Inc. on the list. California Integration Coordinators, Inc. is now celebrating 25 years and is continually setting the bar for all kitting service providers. For more information call (530) 626-6168 or email Cherie@cic-inc.com.