{"id":16293,"date":"2024-05-06T17:00:21","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T08:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kohyoung.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=16293"},"modified":"2024-07-01T15:45:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T06:45:03","slug":"empowering-the-smart-factory-era","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/kohyoung.com\/en\/news\/empowering-the-smart-factory-era\/","title":{"rendered":"AI IN ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EMPOWERING THE SMART FACTORY ERA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of SMT Business Operations & Director of Sales, Koh Young America Brent Fischthal, Head of Global Marketing, Koh Young Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The paradigm of operational excellence has emerged as a key focus area in today\u2019s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. Realizing this shift, manufacturers are increasingly exploring ways to optimize operations to meet the challenges of the \u201cnew normal.\u201d The manufacturing sector\u2019s challenges, particularly regarding personnel and talent, are not going away. Thus, the conversation has shifted towards addressing these challenges through automation, artificial intelligence<\/em><\/a> (AI), and collaboration with suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smart factory marks a paradigm shift in manufacturing, eliminating inefficient and error-prone practices. Powered by advanced technologies such as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things<\/em><\/a>), AI, and Machine Learning, it relies on cooperation between advanced inspection systems and process control tools to ensure quality at every step of production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are a lot of moving parts here, but the potential for gain is immense. The overall results can be quite impressive when you start looking at the organization from the top down and finding places where those improvements can be made. For example, manufacturers can become much more profitable with their existing headcount by implementing these emerging AI-powered technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, previously, the focus was on how to get more out of a supplier by squeezing them as much as possible. However, the paradigm is shifting towards a more collaborative approach. Now, manufacturers are seeking ways to reduce their supplier base and solidify relationships with strong suppliers who share their vision. The conversation then naturally progresses from supplier to partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matric Group, a world-class EMS provider, clearly embraces this new normal, and their Vice-President of Operation, Patrick Stimpert, is driving this manufacturing revolution. \u201cWe don\u2019t go into vendor relationships without it being a partnership. I will not do it. If you\u2019re asking me to take a machine and go out on a limb for you, you\u2019re going to be right there with me. We\u2019re going to fail together, or we\u2019re going to succeed together.\u201d<\/strong> He adds, \u201cIt\u2019s been nice to see Koh Young and Panasonic Connect work together. It\u2019s good when I pull both parties into a room and say, \u2018hey, this is our next step, and I need you guys onboard,\u2019 and for them to say, \u2018yes, we\u2019re going to do it\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Smart Factory ecosystem, data fuels continuous improvement. Inspection-based process control tools generate valuable data, offering insights into trends, patterns, and potential improvements. Manufacturers can use this data to identify bottlenecks, fine-tune processes, and predict maintenance needs while maintaining the highest quality standards. From automated programming and smart review that help operators to autonomous process optimization for printers and mounters to assist engineers, Koh Young is applying AI to help inspection equipment mitigate talent shortages and improve operational efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As this evolution continues, it changes the approach to product design and solution offerings, and, more importantly, it strengthens the relationship with the manufacturer. One case study comes from Holger Groksch, Head of Manufacturing in the SMT department at SICK AG.  Groksch and his team are focused on performance. As Holger says, \u201cit\u2019s not just controlling quality, it is about making the quality better at the machine level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKoh Young provided very high performance and support to help us install the Koh Young Process Optimizer (KPO Printer<\/em><\/a>).\u201d Stated Groksch. When SICK first installed the solder paste inspection (SPI) machine, they reduced its failed parts at the end of the line by half. This was a dramatic reduction and process improvement. Now, SICK has installed KPO Printer, and Holger believes this could once again halve the number of failing parts at the end of the line. These real yield improvements are both significant and achievable using the combination of AI-powered software and hardware solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As we witness this era of evolution and digital transformation, we are enthusiastic about the potential for game-changing operational improvements by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n