Dynamic Production Scheduling and Optimization
The powerful and configurable Dynamic Scheduling & Optimization module is the key to competitiveness and profitability in a high mix, low volume environment.

• Powerful algorithms that have been honed over many years do what computers do best: consider the many variables and resources in a production environment then optimize them to achieve production objectives.
• Supports different optimization objectives, such as minimizing makespan, minimizing feeder changeovers between setups, earliest due date
• Considers line balancing as well as line-to-line balancing, even in a multi-vendor environment
• Supports efficient hot job handling, providing quick and easy rescheduling capabilities to quickly react to production disruptions and emergencies.
• Grouped setups are generated and can be setup and verified off-line, reducing setups by 3-6x
• Routing instructions, line setup document, and machine setup document are automatically generated
• An accurate productivity analysis can be done based on machine capabilities (down to nozzles and feeders) and material availability

Automated Multi-Vendor Machine Programming and Optimization
The Machine Programming & Optimization module generates highly optimized machine programs for various pick& place equipment vendors.

• Optel’s proprietary algorithms deliver at least 5% more throughput on SMT machines than other programs, reducing cycle time and delivering better asset utilization
• Accepts assembly information in popular CAD/CAM formats to create assembly programs, or existing programs can be read from machines
• Supports golden programs: existing programs or those that rarely change can be stored as golden programs in the central database and sent as required to the machine, based on work order.
• For maximum flexibility and agility, programs are generated when needed based on scheduled setups. This has the added advantage of using the most current component information stored in the centralized Global Component Library

Machine Control, Verification, and Automated Traceability
Real time communication between Optel and the machines in the process center provides complete control of the process.

• Screen printers can be controlled to ensure lead-free paste and stencils are used on lead-free assemblies
• Pick and place machine programs are loaded from the central database to the machine based on work order, eliminating the possibility of the wrong program being used
• A final online setup verification is performed to ensure the right feeders and components are installed
• Machine performance information can be captured and viewed in real time
• Takt time can be measured, and if the solder paste is past its tackiness spec, the panel can be prevented from entering the pick and place machine
• Every feeder event is captured
• Eliminates manual parts counting
• Provides accurate, automated component level traceability
• Enables an effective feeder management strategy based on duty cycle instead of calendar days, reducing machine downtime and lowering maintenance costs.
• Supports reel splicing for uninterrupted replenishment

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Manual Assembly, Box Build, and Rework Support
Modules are also available for hand-placed and rework operations.

• Automated instruction generation
• Closes an often overlooked gap for component level traceability: components that are manually installed or replaced at a rework station can be captured and stored to the central database to maintain complete product integrity
• Supports traceability for both printed circuit boards and complete system (aka “box”) build

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