Aug 01, 2011 
Just-in-time programming reduces costs and risks with factory integration
Data I/O Corporation (NASDAQ: DAIO), the leading provider of manual and automated device programming solutions, today announced the new RoadRunner3 inline programming system, the next generation of the world’s only just-prior-to-placement programming solution. With its Factory Integration Software (FIS), RoadRunner3 streamlines the production process and eliminates operator errors through its connection to a firm’s manufacturing execution system (MES) or other shop-floor control software and through that connection all the way to the firm’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
RoadRunner3 - a versatile and configurable high-speed automated inline programming feeder that mounts directly onto an SMT machine without consuming additional floor space or altering the production line — easily integrates into existing SMT processes. By removing unprogrammed Flash memory devices from tape, the RoadRunner3 programs four devices in parallel and then delivers the programmed parts to the pickup point of the placement machine. New interface kits for all major SMT machines including SIPLACE, Fuji, Panasonic and MYDATA allow customers to easily move RoadRunner3 to different SMT machines in their facility. A configurable Tape-In module adjusts for tape widths from 16 to 44 mm, thus allowing for quick job changeover.
RoadRunner3 with FIS modules, FIS Remote and FIS Track allows customers to manage and monitor the programming process. The FIS Remote software module eliminates operator error through automated job selection and job downloads to RoadRunner3. The FIS Track software module enables data-driven decision making to optimize the programming process and minimize scrap and rework costs through automated collection and export of programming results. To ensure optimal equipment utilization, FIS Remote and FIS Track sends e-mail alerts when RoadRunner3 needs maintenance or when yields drop below a set threshold.
RoadRunner3 features FlashCORE III, the world’s fastest Flash programming architecture available on the market today for programming high-density Flash memories such as e.MMC, SD and NAND Flash. FlashCORE III is the highest-quality proven solution for programming Microcontrollers, EPROM, EEPROM, NOR Flash and many others.
Data I/O has successfully installed hundreds of RoadRunner systems for Tier 1 companies incorporating programming into their lean manufacturing process. Customers are able to eliminate their inventory of pre-programmed devices, dramatically reduce inventory carrying and rework costs, by using the Just-In-Time programming provided by RoadRunner, as well as recognize a rapid ROI in only a matter of months.
“Since its introduction more than 10 years ago, the RoadRunner platform has programmed over 10 Billion devices and enabled the world’s leading manufacturers of electronic products to streamline their programming process, literally saving millions of dollars while simultaneously increasing production velocity. RoadRunner3 with Factory Integration Software takes streamlining the programming process to the next level by providing a combination of benefits that offline programming and ISP/ICT solutions simply cannot match, including virtually eliminating operator errors, reducing production risks and delivering the lowest cost per programmed part,” said Carl Olson, Director of Engineering at Data I/O.
For nearly 40 years, Data I/O Corporation has been the world leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of innovative solutions for programmable devices. Since 1972, we have championed the use and growth of programmable devices in a wide variety of industries and products. Today, our customers manufacture millions of products each year using Data I/O programming solutions to reliably, securely, and cost-effectively implement their Intellectual Property into programmable devices. And for the future, virtually every new electronic product produced by OEM, ODM, or EMS facilities represents another potential customer for Data I/O solutions.
