Rework is one of the most unpredictable and variable parts of the PCB assembly process. In fact, no other single function in the assembly process negatively effects profitability more than rework. Why is it, then, that electronic assemblers continue to treat rework as an after thought? Instead of attacking the high costs of rework head on, they continue to claim they can perfect the automated process to eliminate rework, and continue to fail. The fact is, unfortunately, that rework will always be a part of our lives. We see it in the forms of engineering change orders, product upgrades, and revisions, in addition to general automated process errors.

In the past, costs of doing bga rework were not accurately tracked since labor, equipment and WIP were not overly expensive to maintain. With today's new and complex packages, rework has taken on a whole new meaning. The equipment, training and engineering support required is costing electronic assemblers millions, not to mention the damage/scrap that is being generated. Additionally, the "Time To Market" factor is costing assemblers billions each day by keeping a large amount of boards in work-in-progress to be reworked, unable to reach final goods. This is especially true in the high tech industry where product life cycles are short. Successful companies are beginning to realize that the high cost of rework can be kept in check by employing Rework Management & Optimization.

Rework Management & Optimization is a model that can be used to streamline your rework process and operation. A lot of attention has been given to this model recently in the form of various SMTA presentations and a recent article in SMT Magazine. When employed properly, Rework Management & Optimization provides a structured framework insuring your company receives the most value for your rework dollar. One of the reasons the model is so popular is because it works independently of your company's size, type of equipment used, production volumes, or number of rework associates employed. Your current process is analyzed and a framework is provided to increase productivity, decrease scrap/damage, quickly move WIP to final goods, and dramatically reduce the overall cost of doing rework. To learn more about Rework Management & Optimization, you will need the following materials:

1. Rework Management & Optimization Implementation Article
2. Red Zone/Black Zone Analysis
3. Cost Analysis Calculator

For additional assistance call BEST at 847-797-9250 or email at info@solder.net.