COVER » Future Technologies Source: ASMPT training videos and augmented reality techniques for our customers. We also moved most of the activities in our five SMT Centers of Competence worldwide, which are very popular with customers and partners, to the virtual world with great success. We conduct complete customer applications and transmit them live to our individual customers at their facilities. The ProcessExpert is the world’s first self-learning inline SPI system: Automatically optimization of printing processes and adjustment of placement processes by interacting with third-party AOI systems to even acting as an agent for production capacities in our customer network. Our regional teams were familiar with the local conditions, which helped us a lot. We stayed permanently in touch with our customers. To summarize it in two words: We were very agile and resilient. EPPEurope: Are you planning to attend any trade shows this year, either online or in person (if permitted)? Guenter Lauber: We have been very successful in developing various online formats, ranging from streaming events for launching new product innovations, technical process webinars and online workshops as well as the ASM Academy with many free But direct, personal contacts deliver more than just information. I am looking forward to attending trade fairs and industry meetings again where we can enjoy meetings with customers and partners in person again. On the other hand, I am convinced that hybrid concepts will play a huge role in the future. We will not ignore the benefits of online interactions in all segments but develop them further. EPPEurope: You recently had the digital Winter 2021 release “ASM Impact”. What were the key highlights, and how have your customers responded thus far? Guenter Lauber: More than two thousand electronics manufacturers from all over the world have already attended the ASM Impact streaming events, which we host twice a year in summer and winter. One highlight was the introduction of the new Si place TX micron. This extremely fast and precise machine for high-volume advanced packaging applications underscores our leadership in best-in-class placement solutions. We also introduced many software innovations for the integrated Smart Factory, including ASM Works the world’s first integrated software suite for all parts of smart electronics production. The Industry Survey 2020 revealed the difficult corona- related conditions for electronics manufacturers and the need for solutions such as remote services or online training Source: ASMPT 20 EPPEurope » 04|2021
Source: ASMPT I am also very proud of our ASM Factory Equipment Center. The new software offers customers a centralized asset and maintenance management system that handles everything from planning to checklists for maintenance technicians to a central reporting archive. And it does this not just for ASM equipment but for machines from any manufacturer. In addition, we are offering this software for the first time based on a flexible and scalable rental model. Since renting minimizes the investment costs and risks for the electronics manufacturer, it will be an important model for future software distribution. EPPEurope: Automation and digitalization are important to achieve a Smart Factory. What is ASMPT doing to approach an integrated and connected factory? How would you support manufacturers with their digital transformation? Guenter Lauber: Whether they are interested in placement solutions and printers, open interfaces, networking, integrated software, artificial intelligence, autonomous process control with the ASM ProcessLens or the modern MES systems from ASMPT software subsidiary Critical Manufacturing – we offer the central building blocks of the integrated Smart Factory and are the supplier of choice for many electronics manufacturers worldwide. We have achieved this role in recent years, but the roads to the integrated Smart Factory are as individual as the companies themselves. One lesson we have learned from current projects is that we need much more openness. Openness with regard to solutions, openness in the discussions between electronics manufacturers and solution suppliers, and openness within the companies themselves. In order to break down silos, the companies must bring together management, process technicians, production managers and IT engineers in these projects, and in certain phases also the users. To do » The global push towards digitalization and other major trends triggered new growth impulses despite the pandemic. « Guenter Lauber this, some have set up digital factory teams for this purpose – a promising approach. We as a solution provider must then contribute broad hardware, software, networking, system design and process competencies via our own teams of experts. EPPEurope: What are your recommendations when integrating or synchronizing all production processes to reach Industry 4.0? ASM Factory Equipment Center was one of the highlights of the Impact – Release Winter 2021: The new, factory-wide, vendor-independent asset and maintenance management system EPPEurope » 04|2021 21
