Brent A. Fischthal, Global Head of Marketing Communications, Koh Young
Reliable data is the foundation of any smart manufacturing strategy. In electronics manufacturing, the quality of that data depends heavily on how it is collected, structured, and interpreted—especially within the inspection process. Manufacturers require more than just images or defect lists; they need trustworthy, measurement-based datasets reflecting real process performance to drive informed decisions. Without accurate and comprehensive inspection data, even the most sophisticated automation system cannot deliver meaningful process control or optimization.
At Koh Young, we believe inspection should be more than a checkpoint—it should serve as a data engine for the entire production line. This requires collecting the right data in the right amount, with consistency and traceability. Our focus on True 3D measurement technology ensures that every inspection delivers quantitative, volumetric information rather than subjective interpretations. With the support of smart software tools, this data becomes a powerful asset—fueling faster feedback, improved root cause analysis, and ultimately, a smarter, more resilient factory.
From Data Collection to Process Intelligence
Traditional inspection techniques struggle to meet the demands of modern electronics manufacturing. Shadows, perspective distortions, and limited dimensional insight hinder their ability to produce trustworthy data. In contrast, True 3D inspection systems use structured light and multi-angle analysis to create detailed surface maps, delivering precise height, volume, and area measurements. This allows manufacturers to quantify every aspect of a defect or anomaly with confidence.
But generating data is only the beginning. True process control depends on the ability to contextualize and analyze that data efficiently. It’s not about collecting more data—it’s about collecting better data and turning it into actionable insight. This is where Koh Young’s smart factory solutions play a critical role. By integrating our inspection platforms with intelligent software, we help manufacturers move beyond detection and into prediction, prevention, and continuous optimization.
The Role of Koh Young’s Smart Factory Solutions At Koh Young, we recognize that even the most advanced inspection hardware must be paired with intelligent software to realize its full potential. To that end, we have developed a suite of smart factory solutions designed to convert inspection data into meaningful process improvements.
KSMART: Connecting Machines, Processes, and People
KSMART is our flagship smart factory platform, designed to integrate inspection results with production processes across the surface mount technology (SMT) line. It aggregates data from our SPI (Solder Paste Inspection), AOI (Automated Optical Inspection), and dispensing inspection systems to provide a comprehensive view of line health and process stability.
With KSMART, operators and engineers can visualize trends, detect anomalies, and analyze root causes across the entire SMT workflow. Interactive dashboards present real-time key performance indicators (KPIs), while historical data supports predictive analytics and continuous improvement initiatives. Importantly, KSMART is designed for interoperability, making it easy to integrate into multi-vendor environments using industry-standard protocols like IPC-CFX and IPC-HERMES-9852.
KPO: Closing the Loop with Process Optimization
Koh Young Process Optimizer (KPO) is an intelligent software suite that automates the analysis and adjustment of key process parameters. For example, in the screen printing process, KPO Print can detect paste volume variations and suggest optimal stencil pressure, print speed, or separation parameters. In reflow soldering, KPO Reflow helps optimize thermal profiles to ensure consistent solder joints.
By integrating inspection data with process control systems, KPO enables closed-loop manufacturing where the line effectively tunes itself. This reduces operator dependency, minimizes rework, and drives yield improvements. The result is a more resilient and adaptive manufacturing environment aligned with Industry 4.0 objectives.
Smart Review: Elevating the Operator Experience
Inspection systems generate vast amounts of data, and managing this information efficiently is crucial to maintaining throughput and minimizing false calls. Smart Review is Koh Young’s intelligent analysis and review platform that filters inspection data to highlight only those events that truly require operator attention.
Using advanced algorithms and AI-based classification models, Smart Review separates real defects from false positives and provides a guided user interface for rapid disposition. Reviewers can trace defect origins, assess contextual information, and make confident decisions quickly. This targeted review process not only reduces operator fatigue but also increases confidence in defect detection and classification.
KAP: Accelerating Programming with AI
Creating inspection programs can be time-consuming and requires experienced engineers to define component libraries, inspection zones, and measurement parameters. Koh Young Auto Programming (KAP) addresses this challenge by leveraging artificial intelligence and deep learning to automate the programming process.
KAP learns from existing inspection programs and applies pattern recognition techniques to new boards, automatically generating optimized inspection routines. This significantly reduces setup time and ensures consistent inspection quality, even as board designs change frequently. KAP is especially beneficial in high-mix, low-volume production environments where speed and flexibility are critical.
Driving the Transition to the Smart Factory
The smart factory is not a destination but a journey that requires incremental improvements in connectivity, intelligence, and automation. Koh Young’s approach is to support manufacturers at every stage of this journey, from basic digitalization to full process autonomy.
Our systems don’t just identify defects; they help solve the problem. Whether it’s fine-tuning a printer, adjusting a placement offset, or optimizing a thermal profile, our solutions provide the insight and tools needed to enhance each process step. Moreover, by standardizing and sharing data across systems, we help eliminate silos and foster a unified approach to quality management.
Real-World Benefits
Manufacturers who adopt Koh Young’s 3D inspection and smart factory technologies report tangible benefits across a range of KPIs. These include:
• Significant reductions in false calls and escapes
• Shortened programming and setup times
• Higher first-pass yield and reduced rework
• Improved traceability and compliance
• Increased process transparency and control
Case studies from global EMS providers and OEMs consistently show that these benefits translate into lower operating costs, improved customer satisfaction, and faster time to market. You can find these at www.kohyoung.com.
Looking Ahead
The electronics manufacturing industry will continue to evolve, shaped by new materials, tighter tolerances, and increased demand for customization. In this environment, the ability to inspect, analyze, and adapt in real time will be a defining competitive advantage. Koh Young is committed to pushing the boundaries of what inspection technology can deliver—not as a standalone function but as an integral part of the manufacturing ecosystem.
By combining True 3D measurement with intelligent software solutions like KSMART, KPO, Smart Review, and KAP, we offer a pathway to smarter, more agile, and more efficient factories. The journey toward zero defects and autonomous manufacturing may be ambitious, but it is also within reach—and it begins with a clear view of the process, one layer at a time.
Inspection is more than a quality control checkpoint; it is a strategic enabler of smart manufacturing. Koh Young’s integrated solutions provide not only the clarity to see defects but also the intelligence to prevent them. As we continue to innovate and collaborate with customers around the world, our focus remains the same: to transform inspection into a catalyst for smarter decisions, better outcomes, and more resilient manufacturing operations.
