In the ODM-EMS (Original Design Manufacturing and Electronics Manufacturing Services) sector, the “Design For” approach represents a key methodology to ensure efficiency and quality in electronic products, a method successfully adopted by Elemaster, specialized in the design and manufacturing of electronic boards, finished products and system solutions for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Customers. Their International Design Centers, together with strategically located production sites in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, are the hub of innovation and research in the electronic field, supporting various sectors such as railway, medical, Automotive and avionics.
Design For Testability, Design For Manufacturability and Design to Cost: an Integrated Approach
One of the fundamental pillars of the Elemaster Group’s design philosophy is the “Design For” approach, which includes three key phases: Design For Testability (DFT), Design For Manufacturability (DFM) and Design To Cost (DTC), ensuring that all future testing and production operations are carried out in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
Design for Testability (DFT)
This methodology allows for a rapid design review, improving test coverage and reducing false acceptance failures. This approach not only speeds up testing times, but also improves the overall reliability of tests, ensuring that final products are high quality and ready for market without unforeseen problems.
Design for manufacturability (DFM)
Focuses on offline process validation, preventing PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication and PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) assembly problems, improving product reliability, reducing overall costs and managing obsolescence. Thanks to these advanced DFM tools, you can ensure that each product is designed to be easily manufactured and assembled, minimizing errors and optimizing production processes.
Design To Cost (DTC)
This fundamental and critical phase allows to highlight the real costs of the product and how different variables such as construction technique, materials and finishes can affect the final price. This analysis makes it possible to modify a design at this stage, making the modification much less costly than those required on an already built or in production stage. The industrialization of the product, which represents the link between R&D (Research and Development) and production, allows to determine if the level of automation usable for the construction of the product is adequate to the sales cost and the expected volumes, at the same time ensuring that the output of production is in line with expectations.
Certification and Compliance
The Elemaster Group has numerous international certifications that guarantee high standards of quality and sustainability.
As the leading EMS partner in the rail sector in Europe and one of the most important worldwide, Elemaster offers IRIS ISO/TS certified services at every stage of production, from design to delivery of the finished and tested product. This guarantees the highest levels of reliability and quality. Main applications include train control and communication systems, safety and stability systems, railway signalling systems, rolling stock control, automated train stopping stations and maintenance services.
IRIS certification (ISO/TS 22163:2017) unifies the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 with additional specifications for the railway industry. This standard covers the design, development, production, maintenance and installation of rolling stock and related products, as well as Customer services. The objectives and benefits of IRIS certification include improving quality throughout the supply chain, increasing efficiency in supplier evaluation and selection, reducing costs, improving management and information systems, and the overall business performance. An IRIS certified supplier has its certification recognised by every railway industry registered with UNIFE, facilitating access to the European market.
Elemaster Group’s experience in safety-critical design is supported by standards such as IEC 61508, ISO 13849, EN 50128/9 and IEC 62304, with certifications ranging from SIL0 to SIL4, ensuring that products work safely even under extreme conditions.
The participation in the European project Safe4RAIL, within the framework of the Shift2Rail H2020 programme, further testifies to the commitment of the Group in research and development of innovative solutions for the rail sector. This project aims to strengthen European competitiveness through the study of simplified and secure train monitoring and control architectures.
The companies of the Elemaster Group include several centres of excellence and innovation.
Eletech, the Head of Elemaster International Design Centers, R&D division of the Group, is ISO 14001:2015 certified, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental management and the promotion of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
A key component of the service offered is the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) test laboratory, accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This laboratory ensures compliance with electromagnetic compatibility regulations, preventing interference and ensuring optimal performance.
In the industrial sector, the companies of the Group are certified ISO 9001:2015, ensuring the quality of business processes.
Global Excellence and Innovation in the Electronics Sector
The Elemaster Group is constantly striving to improve and innovate in the field of electronics, responding to the needs of the most demanding sectors. Through a “Design For” approach and the maintenance of strict international standards, Elemaster guarantees high quality products that can meet the strictest regulations. The focus on environmental sustainability and compliance with international certifications demonstrates its commitment to responsible, high-quality practices. With a consolidated global presence and a continuous focus on innovation, the Group is well positioned to face future challenges and continue to offer excellent electronic solutions.