With the Trilogy 5000 solution, Valor offers a coherent design-to-manufacturing process flow, which comprises innovative enabling technologies such as VPL (Valor Parts Library), MSM (Machine Shapes Manager) and ODB++. VPL is a unique online data-service providing over 30 Million physical component models, which seamlessly integrate with Valor's front-end DFM (Design for Manufacturability) verification environment to extend the scope and quality of pre-production design processes. Further benefits induced by the VPL are achieved in conjunction with Valor's Trilogy 5000 backend solution for assembly process optimization resulting in substantial improvements to assembly line optimization and component placement accuracy.
The MSM (Machine Shapes Manager), a single source database, manages and maintains machine-level parts-data in the most effective way, to deliver an optimized production process which increases product quality, assembly equipment utilization and production-yields. Valor's streamlined manufacturing process-preparation workflow is entirely based on ODB++, the intelligent Valor funded data exchange format. CAD, Gerber and BOM (Bill of Material) data is validated on a job-by-job basis, and augmented by VPL component-models for efficient DFM and downstream programming operations. The validated and optimized ODB++ data provides a technology backbone, which efficiently fuels the various manufacturing process preparation functions between the design output and assembly-machine level operations of the electronics production process. Independently of machine-vendor or machine-type, entire production lines are simulated and optimized, based on the common Valor-technology backbone and powerful and wide-ranging machine-simulation technology, supporting standardization of working methods, and a continuum of data from the NPI stage through to stable manufacturing in high-volumes.
Valor's comprehensive set of engineering tools achieves measurable benefits for MSL derived from a reduction in line set-up times through an offline graphical validation of component placement accuracy and efficiency, grouping of similar work jobs which reduces machine change-over times for high-mix production cycles and best-in-class assembly line simulation and optimization to minimize manufacturing bottlenecks.
"One of the major benefits of the Trilogy 5000 solution is product portability which is based upon machine program conversions, so avoiding having to reload the CAD and BOM data and to essentially start over, every time we move a job from one line to another. Valor's assembly line optimization enabled us to reduce the line set-up times on several work jobs by 75% allowing us to significantly speed up our NPI process," says Jeff Kennedy, Corporate Technical Director for MSL and continues, "We were able to consolidate three divergent data flows into a single streamlined data flow to receive an ODB++ driven technology backbone which will enable us to provide quantitatively better design and manufacturing services to our large OEM customer base."
Valor's Trilogy 5000 engineering platform has been initially implemented at the MSL plants in Reynosa, Mexico and Arden Hills, USA. Based on the successful launch of Trilogy 5000 at those manufacturing facilities, and as part of MSL's corporate initiative to solve portability issues between their globally distributed production plants, it has been decided to implement in 2003 the Trilogy 5000 solution at the remaining MSL plants throughout the world.
Ofer Shofman, President and CEO of Valor comments on the MSL win, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome MSL to our family of Trilogy 5000 machine programming users, utilizing our breakthrough process-preparation technologies. It has been a corporate-wide challenge to meet MSL's expectations and we were able to offer them the solution they were looking for. Through this win we have further extended and strengthened our dominant presence in the EMS market and will continue to spread our vision of the Valor solution for the electronics industry, bearing always in mind to increase and enhance the service offerings to our customers with real time-to-market benefits and a proven return on investment model."
About MSL
Manufacturers' Services Limited (MSL) is a multi-national company that provides a portfolio of integrated manufacturing and related supply chain services that facilitate their customers' ability to get products to market faster, reduce their total cost, and achieve superior operational performance. The company has specific expertise in electronics design and new product introduction, printed circuit board assembly and testing, high speed automated manufacturing, final product assembly including configure-to-order and build-to-order, integration and testing of complex systems, global supply chain management, order fulfillment, repair, and end-of-life management. MSL's customers come from a diverse set of industries including industrial equipment, commercial avionics, retail infrastructure, medical products, voice and data communications, networked storage, office equipment, computers and computer peripherals. The company integrates its services with its customers' operations, leveraging information technology to connect a global network of suppliers, internal operations, and customers. MSL differentiates itself by providing a superior customer experience characterized by significant mind share, personalized service, customized and flexible solutions, and rapid response. MSL is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.msl.com/.
About Valor
Valor Computerized Systems (FSE/Prime Standard: VCR) is a global leader in providing business productivity tools throughout the design-through-manufacturing electronics supply chain. Valor is a public company listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company's powerful software tools, based on ODB++, the Valor-funded data format that has quickly become the format of choice for high-level data exchange, ensure the rapid transfer of optimized data from design through manufacturing. Enterprise 3000 DFM system for physical design verification, Trilogy 5000 for assembly and test engineering, and the unique Valor Parts Library on-line data service are utilized by designers and engineers to deliver enhanced productivity, higher yields, shorter cycle times and increased product quality. All Valor products are sold and supported by a worldwide network that includes global subsidiary offices, VARs and OEM channels. More information about the company can be found at http://www.valor.com/ .
Contact: Valor Corporate, Alon Levitan, Investor Relations & Marketing
Communications Manager, Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd., Tel:
+972 (0)8 -943 2430, alonl@valor.com
CONTACT: Alon Levitan, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications
Manager of Valor Computerized Systems, +972-8-943-2430, alonl@valor.com
Web site: http://www.valor.com/
http://www.msl.com/