This paper describes the strategy Delco Electronics is using to move from diverse Electrical processes to one Electrical Common Process (ECP). Mentor Graphics' variant properties play a key role in identifying variant assemblies in the overall ECP.

After the schematic is created and checked, the engineer supplies input to the online "Circuit Board Design Requirements" form. The "Circuit Board Design Requirements" form is accessed on the intranet, so that all product team members can provide relevant input. Data supplied to the "Circuit Board Design Requirements" form drives the geometries and technology file used during the To_Layout portion of the design process.

Customized Delco software captures the front-end data that helps drive the cre ation of the artwork drawing, variant assembly drawings, and manufacturing data. While managing the common electrical process, the Electrical Information Technology group also must build in the flexibility to manage the diversity within the manufacturing community. The types of data being managed include library parts, schematic drawings, and board drawings, as well as the variant assembly drawings and manufacturing data already mentioned.

Historically, Delo created diverse Electrical processes as product groups changed from Intergraph tools to Mentor Graphics tools. During the tools transition, each product area created a unique electrical process that suited their products and technology needs. Currently, product areas are moving from the unique electrical processes to the Electrical Common Process (ECP).

Bio:
Leo Dabbs has been using Mentor Graphics software for more than 12 years. Leo worked at Mentor Graphics in Wilsonville, Oregon from 1985 to 1994. From 1994 to 1997, Leo, an EDS employee, has supported Mentor Graphics applications at Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana. Leo is a member of the Delco Engineering Information Technology (EIT) group, serves on the Delco Electrical Common Process Team, and serves as the EIT Application Support Engineers Team Leader for Documentation and Training.