Multi-Stage Builds

In the production of electronic devices, the assembly process often involves multiple stages. This approach allows for a more efficient and organized manufacturing workflow. PartsBox supports multi-stage builds in the "Production" plan and higher, enabling users to manage and track the progress of their builds effectively.

Typical Build Stages

1. SMD Component Placement and Reflow: In the first stage, Surface Mount Device (SMD) components are placed on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and soldered using a reflow process. This stage is often automated using pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens.
2. Through-Hole (THT) Component Mounting: The second stage involves mounting through-hole components on the PCB. These components are typically inserted manually and soldered using wave soldering or hand soldering techniques.
3. Special Attention Components: Some components may require special attention or manual assembly due to their complexity or sensitivity. These components are often mounted in a separate stage to ensure proper handling and assembly.
4. Testing and Quality Control: After the assembly stages, the boards undergo testing to verify their functionality and quality. This stage ensures that only working boards are considered as completed stock for the sub-assembly part.

PartsBox Multi-Stage Build Features

Selective Part Assembly

At each build stage, PartsBox allows users to select the specific components to be assembled. This feature enables granular control over the assembly process, as stock is removed only for the selected parts. This selective assembly approach optimizes inventory management and reduces waste.

In-Progress Build Tracking

PartsBox provides a dedicated section for tracking builds that are in progress. Users can monitor the status of each build stage, view comments describing the work performed, and track the overall progress of the build. This feature enhances visibility and control over the production process.

Unlimited Builds and Stages

With PartsBox, users can have an unlimited number of builds in progress, each with any number of stages. This flexibility accommodates various production scenarios and scales seamlessly with the complexity of the electronic devices being assembled.

Unique Build Identification

Each build in PartsBox is assigned a unique identifier, allowing for easy tracking and identification of boards throughout the production process. This identifier remains consistent across all stages of the build, enabling the use of ID Anything™ labels on incomplete devices. By scanning the label, users can quickly access information about the build, including its current stage and progress.

Finishing a Build

Once all stages of a build are completed, users can mark the build as finished. At this point, you can enter the pricing for the sub-assembly part stock, since the actual costs of consumed parts are known. This action adds the stock to the sub-assembly part associated with the project, making it available for use in other builds.

Viewing In-Progress Stock

During multi-stage builds, the Build Results tab shows stock that is currently "in production". This allows you to track devices as they progress through manufacturing stages and attach information (such as test results, notes, or quality control data) to individual device lots before the build is completed.

For plans with lot control, you can expand each lot row to view and edit lot details, add attachments, or modify custom fields. Tags can be added to lots for organization and filtering. When the build is completed, these lots transition from "in production" to "available" status, and additional operations (move, adjust counts) become available.

Stage Comments as Table Columns

Build stage comments can be displayed as configurable columns in two places:

• Builds List: The "Last stage comment" column displays the comment from the most recent build stage. This provides a quick overview of build status directly in the list of all builds, without needing to open each build's details.
• Build Details Table: The "Stage Comment" column shows the stage comment associated with each BOM entry. Since each entry is assembled at a specific stage, this column displays the comment for that stage. This is useful for understanding when specific parts were assembled and any notes recorded during that stage.

To add these columns to your tables, click the gear icon in the table header to access column configuration.

Benefits of Multi-Stage Builds

Multi-stage builds offer several advantages for automated production, particularly when dealing with quantities beyond a few dozen units:

1. Improved Organization: By breaking down the assembly process into distinct stages, multi-stage builds provide a structured and organized approach to production. Each stage focuses on specific tasks, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.
2. Enhanced Quality Control: Multi-stage builds allow for quality checks and testing at various points in the assembly process. This approach catches issues early, reduces rework, and ensures a higher overall quality of the final product.
3. Increased Flexibility: With the ability to selectively assemble parts at each stage, multi-stage builds offer flexibility in accommodating design changes, component substitutions, or production variations. This adaptability is crucial in dynamic manufacturing environments.
4. Scalability: PartsBox's multi-stage build feature scales effortlessly with production volume. Whether dealing with a few dozen units or thousands, the system can handle the complexity and track the progress of each build effectively.
5. Traceability: The unique identification of each build, combined with the ID Anything™ labeling system, enables full traceability throughout the production process. This traceability is essential for quality control, inventory management, and compliance with industry regulations.