Keeping up with technology

Few people today question the need to include inspection as part of a comprehensive test strategy—both at the component and board levels. Unfortunately, knowing that an inspection system is available and knowing how to successfully incorporate it into your own manufacturing process are not the same thing.

To help bring you up to speed, vendors offer various forms of education. Some companies take "get-acquainted" training on the road. Companies also take advantage of the communications revolution by hosting Web-based seminars, providing almost as much interactive information as the road show without incurring travel and other expenses by either presenters or attendees. Attending generally requires only signing up.

Many companies have also created elaborate multimedia product presentations in Web-based form on CD-ROMs and DVDs. These tools, which engineers can use unattended, get customers and prospects up to speed at their own pace without the added pressure of a salesperson standing there.

Of course, engineers cannot take advantage of these tools if they don't know about them. Vendors must take the initiative and put the information out for all to see. If an educated customer is indeed the best customer, this approach will benefit all concerned.

Note: The November issue of Test & Measurement World will include an article about machine-vision educational opportunities.

Contact Steve Scheiber at sscheiber@aol.com .