Hi Robert, Perhaps IPC-7912: Calculation of DPMO and Manufacturing Indices for Printed Circuit Assemblies might help? Also, I highly recommend the Ira Goldratt and Steve Fox books, "The Race" and "The Goal". They aren't specific to SMT Assembly or Box Building but very relevant to manufacturing. More info @ http://www.goldratt.com/ A synopsis - finding bottlenecks is easy - look for stalled work in progress (WIP) or large amount of inventory at a specific operation. By definition there is one operation that limits the amount of product through the shop - maximize it. I'm curious has anybody implemented a DBR system? Other possible sources of info http://www.circuitsassembly.com/ and http://www.hdi-online.com/ Sounds like you want to do a flow analysis of your operation. Hans ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hans M. Hinners Materials Engineer (Process & Manufacturing) Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Avionics Production Division Precision Attack/ Radar/Manufacturing Branch Engineering Section 380 Second Street, Suite 104 Building: 640, Mail Stop: LYPME Robins AFB, GA 31098-1638 Voice: (478) 926 - 1970 Fax: (478) 926 - 7164 mailto:[log in to unmask] http://www.robins.af.mil -----Original Message----- From: Robert McCall [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 2:44 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Performance data Can anyone out there point me in the right direction to read-up on and learn how to get the best PCB smt assembly production lines and box build line cooking at the max. output. How to enhance line flow, resolve find bottle necks, balance line elements, find the time killers and any overall data that I might use to increases production. (there seems to be to much hand work) Most of what am looking for is general common sense, and normal PCB assembly activities but measurements, standards and the like can get us started in the right direction, at least knowing where we are and where we want to go. Big time thanks!!!!! Robert McCall Sr. Industrial Project Manager Philips Digital Networks Philips Silicon Valley Center 1000 West Maude Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94085-2810 Office: 408-617-4715 Fax: 408-617-7717 Cell: 408-930-4724 ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ##############################################################