Process preparation is not an optional part of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) manufacturing. It is mandatory and critical for high quality production performed profitably. The tools and methods used in process preparation will determine if the goal for introducing a new product to the production line can be achieved: Right First Time Production, Right Away. No exceptions.
One of the biggest challenges in process preparation is to understand the actual product that will be built, to know the processes that will be needed, to assess and understand the cost of making the product. This requires communication, project skills, process and resource information and a lot of product information.