Matric SMT Machines Now Have Lot Tracking Programs

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has been around since the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s until this technology really began to show its worth.  Matric has been at the forefront of the SMT curve since 1989, when it began to utilize the process.  In the early 2000s, the first of 3 MYDATA brand pick and place machines was installed.  Two more fully automated SMT lines were added by 2006. 

In 2009, Matric placed over 8.2 million parts using the SMT equipment.  With the vast amount of components that pass through the machines on a daily basis, keeping track of them can be a daunting task.  To help bolster the lot tracking capabilities of components that are being placed on certain boards, the MYLabel and MYTrace programs were added to the machines.

MYLabel enables fast feeder loading and inventory tracking.  Matric associates load a reel, stick or tray into a magazine in just two barcode scans and all part information is automatically transferred to the machine. Using barcodes to track components reduces the risk of error and speeds up setup and changeover times.  MYLabel keeps track of quantity, batch ID, stock location and other data – for each and every component.  The system has been connected to our ERP, which helps us to stay updated on live component usage.

MYTrace is a solution for secure, long-term storage of traceability data that provides easy access to the data for searching and reporting.  Information about each component placement is stored in an SQL database.  An intuitive search tool makes it possible to identify all PCBs that are affected by, for example, a faulty component batch.

The MYLabel and MYTrace programs work together to provide an intelligent lot tracking system that streamlines the entire process and helps eliminate errors in our SMT process.  Lot tracking is a very time-intensive process and has been significantly improved by adding the MYLabel and MYTrace programs.