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Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations

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#79750

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 9 February, 2018

Hello everyone,

We're a CM that utilizes both the Zenith AOI and 8030 SPI platforms. High mix, relative low volume so we're told by KY that our library is very large comparative to their other clients.

Of all the SMT equipment we own, the KY software platforms are the bane of my existence. Constant crashes for no apparent reason, lag/hang ups, you name it. This is mainly at AOI. Since we are relative "small potatoes" to a company like KY, assurances to fix the software go unfulfilled. We've performed root cause analysis to confirm that it isn't a network issue for saving to the results server and KY in those cases confirmed a software patch is needed.

From what I've read, The KY machines are top of the line and state of the art. Is this really the best the industry has to offer or am I missing out on other platforms that are better supported and at this point, more stable? Or perhaps even an up and comer in the market with a decent install base and similar or better capability? Our technicians and Process support staff have often been left thoroughly frustrated in day to day operations and have even re-written programs several times.

Thanks in advance.

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#79847

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 26 February, 2018

Hi Wnb_Pemgr,

I am not sure where your facility is based but I was hoping that we might be able to help with some of your issues? Hopefully we can support you with any ongoing problems you have or escalate any cases you have already made with Koh Young?

You are right, Koh Young and their machines are the world leading inspection systems in the market, so maybe we can look at your specific applications in more detail and iron out the creases and issues you are facing.

If you would like to call us directly we would be happy to help you.

Kind Regards, Altus

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#81503

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 28 November, 2018

Yes, unfortunately the quality of the software is very bad. It has been shown that the focus is on new features to win new customers and not fall behind the competition instead of improving the quality. The same mistakes are made again and again. The problem is that the competition is not better.

I think it's pretty amazing. In an industry that builds fault finding equipment, there shouldn't be such bad quality.

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#81504

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 28 November, 2018

You need to look at what other smaller companies are using, the KY machines usually go in multiples into large installations. I've seen a few places with 1 or 2 machines but they are usually running volume of very few board types. In these environments they are generally loved. Cyberoptics are pretty good, so are Mirtec & Marantz.

I wouldn't go up and coming as we made that mistake (prior to me arriving) and we have an average machine with poor libraries. I'm guessing if you change type your going to go in very hard on acceptance trials and criteria.

I'd give it one more chance with maybe a different engineer coming in, in case it is something simple that is going wrong with either hardware, software, user, or IT infrastructure.

The Altus boys are pretty good if they are active in your region - I was at a smaller install of theirs about 3 weeks ago who are over the moon about their Zenith Lites.

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#81506

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 28 November, 2018

> You need to look at what other smaller companies > are using, the KY machines usually go in > multiples into large installations.

That's absolutely right, that the machines work excellently if they are only used for testing. But this also applies more or less to the competition. But these users usually have another problem: they can't use the software optimally because they lack experience and so the many bugs don't stand out at all.

In Western Europe, by the way, there are many more places where only a few or even individual machines are in use. The Zenith (lite) are awesome machines and work so well even with small installations because they generate very few pseudo errors because of the way they check. I have also made good experiences with many different products and customers, but low quantities.

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#81530

Koh Young Software Struggles and Frustrations | 29 November, 2018

hello, this is Ethan

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