Simulation as a productivity improvement tool in a component manufacturing line.

Development of automation and integration of machines and processes in the electronic components industry has been quite slow. This is due to the nature of the complex manufacturing process. Machine makers are very specialise in their own field and therefore, machine integration is very difficult. Increase demand in electronic product has driven demand at the component levels. While the 1st and 2nd level assembly process can be fully automated, components manufacturing are only "islands of automation". This imbalance in the macro assembly and manufacturing technology has cause components manufacturing line to be always in the catch-up mode. The results are steep production ramp up and ramp down which puts a heavy strain on the production line.