Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - Direct Logix’s Control Center XP

Control Center server v. 3.3 and 8 Web-accessible applications are integrated for design for manufacturing analysis (DFx), communication, engineering procedure management and approval processes.

Designed for OEMs, EMS and PCB fabricators, the tool is built on an open architecture and deployable in less than five days. The integrated database approach to manage DfM and manufacturing applications increases engineering productivity, standardizes procedures, and reduces training time and experience required.

Control Center XP DF(x) Communicator

The Control Center XP software platform features:

DF(x) issue communication between part number owner and manufacturer, for tracking each identified issue, assigning an owner, and managing an action item plan through resolution. Also, existing database systems and software can be integrated. Further, as new revisions enter a facility, the automation graphically directs users to verified changes between product revisions.

Engineering procedure execution and management. As new revisions of a given part are introduced, systems must be in place to manage engineering procedures not only for each part but each revision, plus the execution of MES systems. These needs are coupled and cannot be separated. This tool performs the equivalent of a storing and controlling the knowledge of a company’s engineers in a single open database.

Procedure metric reporting, for real-time status of NPI projects, including statistical insights on per hour charge backs for engineering work provided to clients. The program maintains detailed statistics on all part numbers that move through engineering to the shop floor, and drives decision-making on continuous improvement activities.

Specification management. This is a central repository for specification data that is open, accessible and easily integrated with downstream or other in-house systems. It uses database-driven techniques and multiple site synchronization technology which provide accurate and up-to-date “vital few fields” of information.

Other features include PCB stackup visualization, a bidirectional interface to create, predict and define all materials and configurations of PCB materials; PCB batch card management; and mechanical CAD management.

Control Center XP provides open and nonpropriety enterprise class interfaces to ERP, MRP, EDA, DfM and MES systems. Costs range from $3000-$7500.

Leigh Eichel is vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Direct Logix Inc.; leigh@directlogix.com.