Use of simulation to improve the kitting process at an EMS provider's facility

Abstract

In an electronics manufacturing service (EMS) provider's environment, smooth and continuous manufacturing flow is extremely desirable. The kitting stage is of critical importance in a streamlined surface mount technology (SMT) assembly process. Based on historical data, the kitting process at the EMS provider where this research was conducted was identified as a focus for continuous improvement. This paper discusses the research undertaken to improve the kitting process at a medium volume, medium to high mix EMS provider's environment. The process improvement effort was based on a six-sigma approach with simulation being used as an analysis tool. At present, three of the five phases of the six-sigma approach have been completed with encouraging positive results. This paper discusses problems at the kitting stage of a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly process and the use of simulation to improve the process by reducing discrepancies.