Valor has been around for a while but not everybody is aware of just how much they have to offer. Many of their products go way beyond just SMT. (normally I keep my posts very short as I'm sure all of you are very busy. I felt compelled to give more details in this post as I feel it's important to educate my customers as to what tools are available to you)
Valor has 8 software packages, but for electronics manufacturing, they really focus on 4 capabilities.
- DFM - Design For Manufacturability (DFM) Analysis
- vPlan - Machine Programming and Process Documentation
- vCheck - Quality Management, Data Collection and Reporting, and Analysis Tools
- vManage - Factory Floor Visibility and Control
DFM
With Valor's DFM tools you can analyse your bare board and assembly to ensure that when it comes time to manufacture, there won't be any gotchas' that cause delays in delivery. This can be a value add to your customers because it encourages optimal board design that can result in a higher quality product, without significant engineering time.
Anybody familiar with DFM knows that Valor is the name in DFM analysis.
vPlan
Machine programming can be a very time consuming processes. Valor offers CAD, BOM, and Gerber integration for machine programming so no matter what your customer gives you, you can write a program for your machine, even if you have multi-vendor SMT lines. Changeover can be improved as Valor can help you identify possible common feeder setups as well as check the program before it's built with their 'Virtual Sticky Tape' simulation.
vCheck
vCheck gathers data from all PCBA manufacturing processes and then provides standard or customized data reporting and analytics. The data output can even be implemented into in-house MRP, MES or PLM systems. vCheck also provides real time WIP tracking from 'Stock to Dock'. This can provide visibility to help with getting orders out in a timely fashion as well as monitor just how long it takes things to get done.
vManage
vManage is designed to help companies implement lean manufacturing. It provides real-time visibility to scrap levels as well as material consumption. This can help you identify when you will need to order parts so you can pay for UPS ground instead of FedEx Overnight rush!
Traceability is one of the best aspects of vManage. Ever had a bad reel of components. How many boards did you need to check. Wouldn't it have been nice to know which boards had the bad components?
Thank you for reading this. I'm not naive to how well ingrained my competitors are. But I know Valor has a better product offering that people actually like to use and don't just use it because they spent too much money on it. If you would like to meet with an old friend, Mike Dreyer is their current National Sales Manager. We'd be happy to show you everything else Valor has to offer.
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