Continuous monitoring makes wrist-strap testing unnecessary. If the wrist skin becomes dry, the worker applies a lotion that does not contain silicon or oil, potential circuit-board contaminants. The company prequalifies suppliers of ESD handling and packaging, and a receiving clerk inspects materials as they arrive. Finished products are packaged in ESD bags and secured with ESD tape for shipping. Along with ISO 9000 registration, the ESD control program is used as a sales and marketing tool, particularly when customers tour the factory.
Employees understand the program s importance and appreciate the results.
Most importantly, ESD control bolsters our confidence in offering a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects on our products. About the Authors Douglas Philbrick is an operating partner and vice president of operations at Qualcon. He has more than 23 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, including 10 years as president and CEO of F.A.S.T., a contract manufacturer, and 10 years as a manager at Amistar. As a member of Georgia Tech s Economic Development Institute Advisory Board, Mr. Philbrick is working to include an ESD control program in the university s Center for Board Assembly Research. Mark Whitaker is the performance measurement manager at Qualcon.