Abstract: Methods and systems for electronics assembly system consultation and sales build upon an approach to modeling and simulation of such systems in which the system is modeled at a preselected level of abstraction, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention is the material flow level of abstraction. Models capable of producing accurate results, but that avoid predicting system events at too low a level of detail, in turn permit the generation of configuration options for a customer, along with substantiated performance predictions, within a comparatively short period of time, one that permits various assembly system configurations to be proposed and evaluated within the course of a particular customer visit.

Abstract: Methods and tools for quickly and accurately performing complex customer benefit modeling for an electronic components assembly system are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined user interfaces allow a consultant, customers, salespersons, or line designers to input a line configuration by selecting from a list predefined objects that represent specific line components. In addition, the user inputs other line configuration data specific to the line being configured. The information contained in the user interface is extracted for use a discrete event simulator. Templates for simulation objects may be created in advance and populated with data from the input interface. A simulation is built and run. Simulation results may be exported to an output means, which may allow for custom generated reports. The reporting means may include a means for allowing customer specific information and data to be inputted.

Abstract: A method is provided for pricing an electronics assembly system solution for a customer. First, with the aid of a computer model, a customer benefit to be realized through the use of the electronics assembly system solution is predicted. A customer benefit guarantee is then generated, based on the predicted customer benefit, and a message relating to the customer benefit guarantee associated with the predicted customer benefit is transmitted to the customer.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to the present invention permit a manufacturer, supplier or other purveyor of electronics assembly system equipment, solutions or the like, to market and to sell their offerings based on a customer benefit sharing approach. The purveyor's incentives are therefore aligned with the customer's and superior performance, if achieved, will not only benefit the customer, but may also redound to the financial benefit of the purveyor. Various such customer-benefit sharing approaches, including performance guarantees and the setting of prices to be paid by customers based upon actual performance of the system(s) and/or solutions(s) purchased, are described, as are the underlying methods and tools that permit the customer benefit sharing approach to be done in a practicable fashion. The purveyor's ability to offer such arrangements turns on its ability to accurately and efficiently model the customer's system under various scenarios, according to principles of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and tools for quickly and accurately performing complex customer benefit modeling for an electronic components assembly system are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined user interfaces allow a consultant, customers, salespersons, or line designers to input a line configuration by selecting from a list predefined objects that represent specific line components. In addition, the user inputs other line configuration data specific to the line being configured. The information contained in the user interface is extracted for use a discrete event simulator. Templates for simulation objects may be created in advance and populated with data from the input interface. A simulation is built and run. Simulation results may be exported to an output means, which may allow for custom generated reports. The reporting means may include a means for allowing customer specific information and data to be inputted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronics assembly system consultation and sales build upon an approach to modeling and simulation of such systems in which the system is modeled at a preselected level of abstraction, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention is the material flow level of abstraction. Models capable of producing accurate results, but that avoid predicting system events at too low a level of detail, in turn permit the generation of configuration options for a customer, along with substantiated performance predictions, within a comparatively short period of time, one that permits various assembly system configurations to be proposed and evaluated within the course of a particular customer visit.