Of all the best practices an electronic contract manufacturer (CM) should adhere to, perhaps the best differentiator to identify a leading CM is Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) reporting. DFM and DFT reports ensure customer (that’s you) satisfaction, quality control, and predictable costs. These reports should have detailed descriptions of the processes the CM would like to use in order to better build and test your product. Here’s what you need to know about DFM/DFT reporting from an electronics CM before you choose your provider.

What Are DFM/DFT Reports?

A Design for Manufacturability report occurs before the product goes to the production stage. To create a DFM, the CM engineers will inspect the product for manufacturability. This means the engineers will evaluate every aspect of the product with the goal of eliminating unnecessary operations and complexities when possible, for a less costly production process. The Design for Manufacturability reports will assess the product’s individual components, design details, production plans, and more to help minimize the odds of human error and maximize production quality consistency. A great CM will maintain communication and engagement to ensure that the final product design not only satisfies your requests but yields a highly reliable product deliverable throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

A Design for Testability or Test review occurs prior to production. DFT reports aim to detect potential testing problems as early as possible and to resolve them before they turn costly for customers. Analyzing appropriate test access, a DFT can include testing strategies to not only prevent manufacturing defects but to also stop defective products from leaving the facility. Performing Design for Testability reviews can help optimize the assembly process and come up with an error-proof overall testing strategy.

DFM and DFT are not one-time reports, especially if a product undergoes a major design change. These reports should be continuously updated to review the design, assembly, and testing procedures in place to create your electronics. DFM and DFT reports detect and address issues before they cost you money on the production line. These reports also enable improvements during redevelopment.

The Importance of Design for Manufacturability/Design for Testability Reporting

DFM and DFT reviews are electronics assembly techniques to minimize costs and maximize quality. Without these periodic checks and reports, the customer could suffer serious and expensive errors during production. DFM and DFT reports mean that CM engineers actively search for human errors, defects, flaws, and mistakes that could compromise the item, and take immediate action to remedy the situation. Having eyes on your project at every stage ensures you don’t end up paying for your CM’s mistakes. Design for Manufacturability and Design for Testability services can achieve the following:

Comprehensive checks of customer design/ideation drafts

Ensure production quality and consistency

Reduction of any excess resources or processes

Finding and fixing errors prior to production

Thorough review of printed circuit board assembly design

Trace routing to increase circuit testability

Zero risk transfer to the customer

Best possible product yield rate during production

As an original equipment manufacturer and customer, you have the right to expect products to come without defects. You also have a right to expect them to come in on time and under budget. Products should not have deviations from the design, early life failures, or latent defects.

Ask About Design for Manufacturability/Design for Testability Reporting Before You Decide

While interviewing different CMs, ask about the company’s DFM, DFT, and other reporting services. Ask how in-depth the assessments go prior to production, and what the company will do if it encounters any issues, errors, or defects. Work with a provider that prioritizes product quality above all else, but that is also dedicated to achieving your personal goals in terms of timeframes and budgets. Detailed evaluations will help uphold requirements for a specific project. Find an electronic contract manufacturer that provides in-depth and comprehensive Design for Manufacturability/Design for Testability reports, such as Saline Lectronics, for quality control and satisfaction guaranteed.