----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">David Douthit

To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 2:32 AM

Subject: Re: [TN] Proposed lifting of component date code restrictions

Jack,

I agree with Steve's comments. The divergence between the commercial  and high reliability electronics is a very serious issue.
Any proposal that effects configuration control must be carefully weighed. Trying to save money no matter what the cost is a
very easy trap to step into.

Standardizing the date code process is needed.
Use of date codes is needed for "life time" buys of COTS when obsolescence problems are present.

Configuration control issues can also cause problems with commercial OEMs.
Unless tracking methods are in place part failures by lot would be difficult to isolate in higher assemblies.
This could create a much larger recall condition.

Just some comments.

David A. Douthit
Manager
LoCan LLC

Jack Crawford wrote:

 IPC has become aware that the National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA) has posted a white paper discussing the proposed lifting of date code restrictions and they have requested comments from end users as well as component suppliers and distributors. The paper can be viewed at http://www.nedassoc.org/whitedat.html. Comments can be provided to me on or off net; we'll compile them and forward to NEDA. If you comment to NEDA directly [log in to unmask], please cc: me on your reply [log in to unmask].CordiallyJack ==========================================
APEX 2003 - the industry's premier trade show in Electronics
Manufacturing, March 31-April 2, 2003, Anaheim, California.
More information on website www.goapex.org
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Jack Crawford, IPC Director of Assembly Standards and Technology
2215 Sanders Road, Northbrook IL  60062-6135
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847-790-5393
fax 847-504-2393