Closing the engineering to manufacturing information loop

It is pointed out that, as printed circuit boards (PCBs) grow more complex and development time shrinks, the need for accurate and timely transfer of information from engineering to manufacturing has increased. This increased need has forced manufacturing to define information requirements, standardize data, improve data transfer capabilities, and verify engineering information. NCR E&M Columbia has overcome many of the problems associated with the timely delivery of accurate information with the Manufacturing Interface File (MIF) system. The MIF system enables manufacturing to quickly and accurately react to engineering requirements. It has become an essential component in the product development cycle. The authors detail all components of the MIF system and describe how it enables E&M Columbia to successfully close the information loop between engineering and manufacturing