Manufacturers today are undergoing one of their most drastic shifts ever -- a major green movement that's re-defining the way products are brought to market. Stringent environmental regulations are asking manufacturers to do more, with less environmental strain.

This can spell a series of challenges for manufacturers -- as they "re-invent the wheel" in this move to green. In some cases, it means overhauling existing design and assembly strategies. For others, it means eliminating the use of components that have driven product innovation for decades. Although environmentally effective, overhauling these traditional processes can leave serious gaps in product quality -- which can not only put dents in a manufacturer's reputation, but also spell the loss of critical customer service levels and revenue sources.

It's for this reason manufacturers need to think smarter, bigger and bolder to embrace this change, and ensure the most environmentally-efficient supply chains. This requires taking a deeper look into product test data -- specifically the intelligence needed to ensure low cost, high quality products can be brought to market, while fully complying with today's growing green standards.

Easing Increasingly Environmental Pressures for Electronic Manufacturers

This ongoing green evolution is magnified for electronic manufacturers, who face added accountability and scrutiny. In addition to consumers demanding the most innovative products at the lowest prices, environmental compliance standards -- such as RoHS, WEEE and REACH -- are requiring manufacturers to design and assemble products specific ways. They restrict the use of certain materials -- such as lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium -- that have been commonplace among the most successful product development strategies for years. And they are altering the waste and recycling of products at the tail end of their lifecycles.

Failure to abide by these standards can spell the most devastating consequences: Hefty financial fines, market share losses, trade restrictions, liability issues and even criminal charges. While most manufacturers are successful in complying with these growing regulations, many times an over-focus on them is resulting in potential implications on product quality.

For example, changes to the design and assembly of electronics have been largely shaped by the ROHS directive which prohibits the use of six toxic substances including lead, which has historically been synonymous with soldering processes. The use of no-lead solder requires a higher soldering temperature, which can lead to damaged components. It has also showed a tendency for tin whiskers to develop, often resulting in short circuits and arcing, in addition to reduced reliability and longevity

Balancing Green with Quality: Manufacturing and Test Data Shows the Way

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