Optimising production planning systems

Keywords SCI Systems, Electronics, Software

SCI Systems, Inc., an electronics contract manufacturer whose products are supplied to a variety of aerospace companies, has placed a $3.8 million order for a combined software and support services package from Tecnomatix and Fuji Machine Manufacturing Company Ltd.

Tecnomatix is providing its UNICAM software for assembly planning, production monitoring, documentation and for interfacing with non-Fuji PCB assembly equipment. Also included in the package is a jointly developed brand of the UNICAI-software called FUJICAM that allows engineers to program, optimise and monitor Fuji assembly machines directly from the engineering application.

SCI is said to have selected Tecnomatix and Fuji after a 12 month evaluation of the UNICAM and FUJICAM software at three SCI facilities. SCI has been using the software to program the Fuji machines and to create visual assembly aids from a number of PCB design systems. The Tecnomatix/Fuji solution has reportedly already shortened new product introduction schedules, reduced'cycle times for board assembly, and provided faster implementation of engineering changes and automation of process documentation for SCI.

"The implementation of Tecnomatix/Fuji software is an important component of SCI's globalisation efforts and will help us maintain our leadership position in the electronics manufacturing services market", said Gene Sapp, president and chief executive officer of SCI Systems. "We believe Tecnomatix and Fuji provide the most comprehensive solution for the PCB assembly industry today. We are very satisfied with the initial results and anticipate continued improvements as the system is fully deployed."

"The joint Tecnomatix/Fuji solution will enable SCI to work more efficiently and productively, with fewer costly errors, resulting in shorter time to market and superior product quality. With this order, SCI joins our growing list of world class electronics manufacturers, such as Nokia, Ericsson, Alcatel and Hitachi, that have chosen Tecnomatix"products to improve their production engineering processes", said Harel Beit-On, president and chief executive officer of Tecnomatix Technologies.

Details available from: Tecnomatix Technologies. Tel: +44 (0) 121 323 1300;Fax:+ 44 (0) 121 323 1333; www.tecnomatix.comTecnomatix Technologies S.A. Tel: +33 1 3458 2424; Fax: +33 1 3458 2442.