Gary,
We were an IHS user using CapsXpert, but we found that using other
"no-cost" services, such as the Internet and distributors/representatives
served our purpose just as well. We also saved about $10K/yr. (The cost
varies depending on the level of service, and has surely improved greatly
since we last used it.)
The IHS system is very good when it comes to researching old, hard-to-get
components, and for obtaining diode/xsistor part types from general
parameter entries. If you don't have a dedicated purchasing agent to do
some footwork for you, this may be a good way to go. (IHS also has a
search service for discrete components too, for those that want to
know...). Updates are easy and very regular.
But for basic, "I want a second source for a Mot 2N4401" queries, the cost
of the service was more than what we could justify. We ended up helping
justify a T1 Internet connection due just to increased Engineering use.
Also, in the last year we had the service, it was used maybe a dozen or so
times.
But, all in all, we were satisfied with the service, and it proved VERY
useful the first 3 or 4 years we had it. IHS is very easy to work with.
Contact me off-line if you have other questions.
HIH,
Roger M. Stoops, C.I.D., PCB Designer
[log in to unmask]
Trimble
Engineering and Construction Division
5475 Kellenburger Rd.
Dayton, OH 45424-1099 USA
Ph: +01 937.233.8921 or +01 937.233.4574 ext 288
Fax: +01 937.233.7511
Gary Koven
<gkoven@CONVACE To: [log in to unmask]
NT.COM> cc:
Sent by: Subject: [DC] Automating the Component Engineering Process
DesignerCouncil
<DesignerCounci
[log in to unmask]>
12/18/01 10:52
AM
Please respond
to "(Designers
Council Forum)"
Greetings. I'm in a small company, and am tasked with automating as much
of the component engineering effort as possible without hiring a full-time
components engineer. We want to do it with the EE's providing guidance,
and Engineering Services providing gruntwork.
I know there are tools available to create component databases which are
portable to schematic capture systems, etc., and to automate parts of the
BOM, CM, and component specification drawing creation processes. We
evaluated Omniware (formerly Omnibom) from Trilogic and will probably be
placing an order for that when we acquire our Innoveda toolset shortly.
I know of some companies eager to sell pre-made databases if you wave
enough money, but even then, the challenge is keeping it current. OTOH,
IHS seems to offer part of these services as well as automatic upkeep in
its Universal Parts Center which includes CapsXpert. I saw CapsXpert
several years ago when the technology was several dozen CD's in platters
and tower, but not in its present genesis. I will be obtaining a quote for
that.
However, I know of no tools specifically targeted to reduce the labor of:
(1) creating component specifications, and
(2) manual database entry of component searchable parameters.
Any IHS users out there? Is the service worth the price? Or can anyone
recommend a better source to get the job done? I full well realize there
is no silver bullet, so I'm looking for the least labor-intensive
alternative.
Thanks,
Gary M. Koven, C.I.D.
Engineering Services Manager
Convacent Corporation
1043 E Morehead St, Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28204
704.376.9300 phone
704.376.0988 fax
[log in to unmask]
www.convacent.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DesignerCouncil Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF DesignerCouncil.
To set a vacation stop for delivery of DesignerCouncil send: SET DesignerCouncil NOMAIL
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases > E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
