Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for product based configuration and control of manufacturing equipment. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing. The method includes identifying components to be mounted on a printed circuit board of a product and generating information that specifies the components. The method includes determining, for each of the identified components, the location on the printed circuit board where the component is to be mounted and generating coordinates that indicate the location. The coordinates are of a coordinate system having a frame of reference that is independent from any master printed circuit board. The method includes associating the generated information with the product.