One more thread for our "use case" series! Once again, our team helped Ingram Micro partners to win. If you think that we can help you too, feel free to reach out!
Client Overview
The client is a global manufacturer specializing in fluid handling products. Their operations span multiple industries, making quality control a critical component of their manufacturing process. This case study focuses on how they leveraged AI to enhance their testing procedures and reduce inefficiencies.
Background & Challenges
The client faced persistent issues with low First Pass Test Yield (FPTY%) and high rework costs. Operators often relied on experience and guesswork to resolve test failures, leading to inconsistent results and wasted time. The lack of standardized feedback and incomplete logging further complicated troubleshooting and process improvement efforts.
Objectives
The project aimed to use AI to:
- Provide real-time feedback to operators after test failures
- Alert engineers to emerging trends and potential issues
- Recommend adjustments to test parameters
- Offer insights into process capability and tolerance optimization
These goals were designed to create a more intelligent, responsive, and efficient testing environment.
AI-Driven Solution
The Proof of Concept (PoC) targeted a test bench with significant quality issues. AI was used to:
- Analyze historical test data and operator actions
- Correlate failure reasons with successful fixes
- Detect trends indicating equipment degradation
- Link upstream sub-assembly data to final test outcomes
This approach enabled a data-driven feedback loop that continuously improved testing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation
The AI solution was integrated into the client's existing architecture. Key components included:
- A maintainable data pipeline for test logs and operator inputs
- Algorithms for correlation and trend analysis
- Interfaces for delivering real-time suggestions and alerts
This setup ensured that both operators and engineers could act on insights without disrupting workflows.
Results
The implementation led to several impactful outcomes:
- Environment Assessment: Mapped inefficiencies and gaps in current workflows.
- AI Root Cause Suggestions: Reduced retests by 50% through guided operator actions.
- Test Design Optimization: Identified overly strict parameters, reducing false failures.
- Equipment Monitoring: Enabled proactive maintenance and improved FPTY%.
- Process Optimization: Highlighted upstream issues, reducing rework and improving quality.
Quantitative Outcomes
- +20% increase in FPTY
- -50% reduction in retests
- 284% ROI over 5 years
These metrics demonstrate the tangible value of AI in quality assurance.
Strategic Impact
The project delivered long-term benefits:
- Efficiency Gains: Less time spent on rework and diagnostics
- Cost Savings: Lower scrap and rework expenses
- Smarter Decisions: Actionable insights from complex data
- Proactive Quality Control: Early detection of issues
- Enhanced Support: Real-time guidance for operators and engineers
- Optimized Testing: Better criteria and process alignment
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