Consumers today are inundated with the concept of "paper-free." Magazines and newspapers are readily available on the Internet, online banking accounts greet you with a "Go Paperless!" landing page, and the TSA
can check in fliers with an encrypted 2-D bar code boarding pass, conveniently emailed to the passenger's mobile phone.
Palomar Assembly Services™ ("Assembly Services") also sees the value in going paperless. Not only is a paperless lab a "cleaner" way to operate, but it allows for traceability and, therefore, increased efficiency in microelectronic assembly. Assembly Services engineers have developed an automated paperless manufacturing environment and integrated it directly with an automated assembly infrastructure—and called it ADMA.
Automated Data Management and Analysis (ADMA) 
is a unified system that improves all aspects of process development and the assembly life cycle, reducing costs through improved resource utilization and increased yield. By removing the paper factor from data collection, mapping process and implementing automated computer-controlled traceability, ADMA ensures the clean rooms at Palomar Technologies work more efficiently than ever.
Julie Adams, Dir. of WW Assembly Services Sales, recently presented "Paperless Laboratory: Increased Efficiency and Traceability in Microelectronics Assembly" at IMAPS Optoelectronics 2011, diving into the customizable features of ADMA through three case studies:
Case Study #1:"Paperless Traceability Required" – This organization's assembly process was complex, using multiple steps and multiple die bonder, wire bonder and testing systems. Software automation significantly reduced risks of fundamental human errors and the customer gained business by meeting their customers’ expectations by providing good product in a timely manner.
Case Study #2: "The Dormant Customer" – ADMA can easily revive a latent application program, since the program and work flow process are meticulously outlined and then archived within the database. The ability to quickly bring a customer's production process back up to speed can render major savings. In this organization's case, the savings ranged from $45,000 - $65,000 plus three 5-day production weeks.
Case Study #3: "Established Defense Contractor" – Defense organizations have strict requirements for intricate and complex assembly, with no room for error. Production for such organizations have an inherent need for traceability and data collection, which are the foundation of ADMA.
By eliminating notebooks and pencils, inputing data into a controlled and clearly mapped-out database (via PC), and working through a smart system of work order flow tags, a networked paperless production operation can be achieved. With all program and production data securely archived, both reviving a dormant production in minutes rather than days and real-time monitoring for product repeatability and consistency can be a built-in best practice for greater productivity.
Download "Paperless Laboratory: Increased Efficiency and Traceability in Microelectronics Assembly" to learn more!
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Jessica Sylvester
Marketing Communications
Palomar Technologies