Electronic devices are so ubiquitous in modern life that people rarely consider what’s ‘inside the box.’ The simple answer to that question is: an awful lot of complexity. Complexity that must be carefully managed.
Even fairly simple devices are likely to contain PCBs holding dozens of individual electronic components. These will almost certainly be sourced from complex global supply chains. Failure of any one of these components will stop the device working properly.
Is the failure a one-off or are other devices among potentially many thousands in service also at risk? Without total component traceability you’ll never know.
Data Management
As an AS9100 accredited electronics manufacturer, total component traceability is essential to how we operate. We record where every individual component comes from and where it’s used. We can identify similar components from the same batch and supplier – so if our rigorous in-house testing reveals any anomalies we can react quickly to ensure the integrity of assemblies that reach the market.
For volume electronics manufacturers working in high-reliability markets, component traceability becomes a major but essential data collection and management discipline.
Component Traceability Benefits
Being able to track each individual component and assembly is the route to robust quality control – both in production and in the field.
It also allows for detailed and meticulous supply chain management – providing the data needed to eliminate bottlenecks, streamline supplies and optimise inventory levels.
Anti-Counterfeiting Controls
Counterfeiting is an issue with electronic components. Even major organisations like NASA have suffered in the past and have implemented robust component authenticity checks as a result.
For end-users – particularly where reliability is critical – being able to document the source and history of every component and assembly is essential. That process starts with the manufacturer and their supply chain.
You can read more about traceability, supply chain management and quality assurance in modern electronics manufacturing by accessing our resource centre.
