Software Suite Tracks RoHS Compliance

(August 17, 2006) SANTA CLARA, Calif. — SigmaQuest, Inc., a product quality management software provider, announced availability of a software suite that aids in conversion, compliance, and due diligence records for OEMs following the European Union's (E.U.'s) RoHS Directive.

Products that have revised components, lead-free solder, or other RoHS-compliant changes can be monitored for quality and consistency with the SigmaSure software. Referring to the RoHS Directive as a production obstacle for electronic companies, Nader Fathi, CEO of SigmaQuest, said that replacing any substance in solder joints on a PCB can cause various product performance issues. The software suite is designed to detect, solve, and avoid these problems.

The company recommends the suite for companies that converted by the July 1, 2006, deadline as well as those that are in the process of transitioning. It provides information on production impacts, as well as internal processes and supplier's components, explained Fathi.

Web-based, the software features several modules related to RoHS. A manufacturing and test insight module continuously monitors the manufacturing chain's product quality data. An RMA insight module provides data about defects, trends, and root-cause failure analysis. Due diligence information results from technical files created with supporting documentation of RoHS compliance. The due diligence information is also monitored by the software. These tools are said to provide auditable data about efforts to eliminate non-compliant practices. The product generates viable traceability information in real-time, said Owen Tucker, vice president of marketing for the company. Early implementation in product development stages aids in conversion, he added.

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