In 1999, we began investing in a strategic plan to provide MPI customers with a seamless, real-time, "paperless" information portal. We entered a long-term partnership with Aegis Corporation, a manufacturing execution system (MES) provider, to co-develop a customized system that integrates manufacturing software tools and programs to collect data in real time and offers advanced process controls. The remaining components of the MES (WIP, QA & test data tracking) soon followed.
In 2006, MPI entered its final MES implementation phase with the deployment of state-of-the-art data collection hardware which included two-dimensional RF terminals, bar-code scanners, and a laser-etch PCB marking system. This was coupled with the implementation of Bridgelogix, an ERP integration module that allowed MPI to close the information loop between MPI's BAAN ERP system and the Aegis system, yielding full product and process traceability from lot number to final product configuration data as well as automated ERP transactions trigged by product WIP data.
As a result, MPI's customers are now reaping the following real-time, online (paperless) benefits:
- Assembly documentation instructions that are centrally managed and updated
- Access to original customer data (BOMs, schematics, etc.)
- Change control notices
- Work-in-process tracking through major process points
- Quality, test yield and failure attribute data collection
Additional functionality that will come online by December 31, 2007 includes:
- Component lot, RoHS traceability and end-unit geneaology
- Real-time ICT and ATI machine data links
- Real-time internal process dashboards
- Customer Web portal
Microboard Processing, Inc.
Call 1-203-881-4300, Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm (EST)