{"id":993,"date":"2022-08-08T05:11:18","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T09:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/valor\/?p=993"},"modified":"2026-03-26T13:32:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:32:36","slug":"test-engineering-optimization-for-npi-profitability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/valor\/2022\/08\/08\/test-engineering-optimization-for-npi-profitability\/","title":{"rendered":"Test engineering optimization for NPI profitability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The journey from design data to PCB testing program must be quicker than ever before. New article by Mark Laing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For PCB and assembly manufacturers faced with the trend toward high-mix, low-volume<\/a> production, Test Engineering has become a critical factor in maintaining the profitability as NPIs (New Product Introductions) are increasingly frequent. In order to optimize the test engineering process \u2013 while making sure that a PCB assembly is fully tested and free of defects \u2013 it has become crucial to accelerate the journey from design data to an automated, fully-debugged PCB testing program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, test engineering has evolved from the \u201cbed-of-nails\u201d in-circuit technology (ICT) approach used for PCBs, to the adoption of flying probe machines, which are better suited for high-mix, low-volume production and prototype runs. While ICTs remain in use and are an efficient means of IC programming, in-line testing, and high-volume testing, the migration to flying probes continues to accelerate due to the cost of ICT fixtures and the reduction in production volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test engineering domain can be divided into two distinct disciplines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Product Verification<\/strong> \u2013 in which the product undergoes functional testing in order to ensure that it works according to its design specifications. Product verification differs widely from product to product, and is heavily customized for each project.<\/li>
  2. Process Verification<\/strong> \u2013 in which the product is tested in order to ensure that it was manufactured properly. Successful process verification techniques can be reused in a wide range of manufacturing projects, and therefore, are a manufacturer\u2019s prime target for optimization.<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In an article recently published in IConnect007<\/a>, Mark Laing, Siemens\u2019 Business Development Manager and test engineering expert, presents crucial guidelines for economizing and optimizing the process verification task, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n