Electronic Computer Manufacturing

An electronic computer is made from boards, chips, memory, storage, power and a case. Learn the parts and the making steps.

• Name the main parts: processor, memory, storage, mainboard, power supply, cooling and case.
• Explain what each part does in one sentence.
• Explain the steps from parts to product: buy parts, build boards, assemble, test, pack.
• Explain the difference between designing a computer and assembling one.
• Name the main safety risk to parts: static electricity.
• Sort the parts of a computer into bought, made in-house and software.
• Draw the path of one unit through a workshop from the parts store to shipping.

Activity. Draw a block diagram of a computer with ten blocks and write the job of each.

Standard to meet. Task: draw a computer block diagram. Condition: ten blocks. Standard: every block has an input, an output and a job, all correct.

Electronics work needs safe habits for people and for parts.

• Use an anti-static wrist strap and mat when you handle boards and chips.
• Keep a clean, lit bench and store parts in labelled bins.
• Use eye protection when you cut, solder or use compressed air.
• Handle batteries with care: do not crush, short or heat them.
• Check the current rules with the workplace safety board on training, ventilation and protective gear.
• Store and carry boards in anti-static bags.
• Practise a bench-end routine: power off, unplug, tidy tools and note any hazard.

Activity. Write a one-page bench safety checklist and use it for a week.

Standard to meet. Task: use a safety checklist. Condition: one week at a practice bench. Standard: each check is signed with a date and no unsafe step is skipped.

Making electronics in Canada involves product, radio, safety and environment rules.

• Explain that electrical and electronic products often need approval by a recognised testing body before sale; check the current rule with the federal and provincial authorities.
• Explain that devices that send radio signals must meet the federal radio rules; check the current rule with the federal regulator.
• Explain that electronic waste has take-back rules that differ by province; check the local rule.
• Explain that labels may need to be in English and French; check what applies.
• Explain that selling abroad may need export permits for some technology; check before you ship.
• Explain that products with a battery may have extra transport and safety rules; check the carrier and federal rules.
• Keep a compliance file for each model with test reports, dates and label proofs.

Activity. Build a rules table with rule, who enforces it, your product's status and the dated source.

Standard to meet. Task: build a rules table. Condition: official pages only. Standard: each row has an enforcer, an action and a dated source; nothing is guessed.

Assembly follows a written method so every unit is the same.

• Write a work instruction with numbered steps, photos and a torque or fit note.
• Lay out parts in order and check them against a parts list before you start.
• Install parts gently and check seating, cable routes and screws.
• Mark each unit with a serial number and record who built it and when.
• Do the first article check: the first unit is tested fully before the batch continues.
• Build a jig or tray so every worker places parts the same way.
• Time each step and add the times to find the time per unit.

Activity. Write a work instruction and assemble two units from it.

Standard to meet. Task: assemble two units. Condition: a written instruction. Standard: both units match, a second person can follow the steps and each unit has a record.

Testing proves a unit works. Faults give the facts to improve the process.

• Write a test plan: power on, boot, memory check, storage check, ports, heat, run time.
• Run a burn-in: run the unit for a set time and watch for faults.
• Log each fault with unit, test, cause and fix.
• Compute yield = good units / started units.
• Fix the top cause first and test again.
• Explain first-pass yield and final yield and why rework can hide problems.
• Keep a defect chart that ranks causes by count.

Activity. Run a test plan on five units and compute yield and the top fault cause.

Standard to meet. Task: test and measure yield. Condition: five practice units. Standard: faults are logged with causes and the yield sum is correct and checked.

Missing or bad parts stop a line. Plan supply and check what comes in.

• Check incoming parts against the order and inspect a sample.
• Keep a supplier list with lead times and a second source for key parts.
• Set a reorder point = daily use x lead time + safety stock.
• Keep spares for the parts with long lead times.
• Record batch numbers so a bad lot can be traced.
• Take a sample such as 5 of every 100 parts on arrival, test them and record any bad ones with the batch number.
• Explain that a part can go out of production; plan a last-time buy or a replacement.

Activity. Build a parts list with supplier, lead time and reorder point for ten parts.

Standard to meet. Task: plan parts supply. Condition: ten parts. Standard: reorder points are calculated correctly and a second source is named for the key parts.

A computer maker earns by margin on each unit after paying for parts, time and testing.

• Variable cost per unit = parts + labour + test + packing + shipping.
• Margin = price - variable cost.
• Fixed cost = rent, tools, insurance, software and approvals, paid whatever you sell.
• Break-even volume = fixed cost / margin per unit.
• Test the price with real buyers before you commit; talk to a licensed accountant about tax.
• Include warranty returns as a cost in the cost sheet.
• Compare your price with three similar products and write why a buyer would pick yours.

Activity. Build a cost sheet, compute break-even and write what you would change if you were 30% short.

Standard to meet. Task: price a computer. Condition: a spreadsheet. Standard: formulas are visible, three what-if cases are shown and a mentor checks the arithmetic.

Run a pilot batch and measure it. Then decide to stop, change or grow.

• Set the batch size, schedule and a stop rule before you start.
• Record yield, rework and time per unit each day.
• Do a final check and pack with a care and warranty note; check the current consumer rules for warranties in your province.
• Handle returns by reason and fix the top reason.
• Write a 12-month plan with milestones, a budget and a risk list.
• Write the stop rule as a number, for example yield below 80%.
• Hold a short daily meeting to check yield, rework and parts.

Activity. Run a pilot batch of at least 10 units and write the review.

Standard to meet. Task: run a pilot. Condition: a written plan and stop rule. Standard: measures are recorded daily, the review reasons from evidence and a panel can repeat the plan.

L1: Technology aware learner. You can define: name the main terms, people and rules of electronic Computer Manufacturing. Focus module: Know the parts of a computer and how it is made (Understand, 6 h). An electronic computer is made from boards, chips, memory, storage, power and a case. Learn the parts and the making steps. Key points: Name the main parts: processor, memory, storage, mainboard, power supply, cooling and case. Explain what each part does in one sentence. Explain the steps from parts to product: buy parts, build boards, assemble, test, pack. Explain the difference between designing a computer and assembling one. Name the main safety risk to parts: static electricity. Sort the parts of a computer into bought, made in-house and software. Draw the path of one unit through a workshop from the parts store to shipping.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A small maker assembles desktop computers from bought boards and parts. They do not make chips. If bought parts cost 600 CAD per unit, a batch of 10 units needs 10 x 600 = 6,000 CAD of parts. Their value is choosing parts, building neatly and testing well. Then set the activity: Draw a block diagram of a computer with ten blocks and write the job of each. Mark against the standard: Task: draw a computer block diagram. Condition: ten blocks. Standard: every block has an input, an output and a job, all correct. Check at this level: Name four main parts of a computer. Model answer: Processor, memory, storage and mainboard (also power supply, cooling, case). Level note: Start here if new. Evidence: a one-page glossary and a visit or interview note.

L2: Lab or shop assistant. You can describe: explain how electronic Computer Manufacturing works from first contact to result. Focus module: Work safely with electronics (Apply, 6 h). Electronics work needs safe habits for people and for parts. Key points: Use an anti-static wrist strap and mat when you handle boards and chips. Keep a clean, lit bench and store parts in labelled bins. Use eye protection when you cut, solder or use compressed air. Handle batteries with care: do not crush, short or heat them. Check the current rules with the workplace safety board on training, ventilation and protective gear. Store and carry boards in anti-static bags. Practise a bench-end routine: power off, unplug, tidy tools and note any hazard.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A new worker touches a memory card without a strap, so the batch of 40 units is flagged for extra tests. The tests take 2 hours, which is 120 minutes / 40 = 3 minutes per unit. The company adds a strap check at the bench door. Then set the activity: Write a one-page bench safety checklist and use it for a week. Mark against the standard: Task: use a safety checklist. Condition: one week at a practice bench. Standard: each check is signed with a date and no unsafe step is skipped. Check at this level: Why use an anti-static strap? Model answer: Static can damage chips and boards. Level note: Evidence: a flow chart and a two-minute spoken explanation.

L3: Technician. You can apply: carry out a routine task in electronic Computer Manufacturing to a written standard. Focus module: Know the rules for making and selling electronics (Apply, 10 h). Making electronics in Canada involves product, radio, safety and environment rules. Key points: Explain that electrical and electronic products often need approval by a recognised testing body before sale; check the current rule with the federal and provincial authorities. Explain that devices that send radio signals must meet the federal radio rules; check the current rule with the federal regulator. Explain that electronic waste has take-back rules that differ by province; check the local rule. Explain that labels may need to be in English and French; check what applies. Explain that selling abroad may need export permits for some technology; check before you ship. Explain that products with a battery may have extra transport and safety rules; check the carrier and federal rules. Keep a compliance file for each model with test reports, dates and label proofs.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A maker plans to sell a mini computer with built-in Wi-Fi. The checklist shows radio approval and electrical safety approval are needed first. If the two tests run one after the other and take 3 weeks and 4 weeks, sales wait 3 + 4 = 7 weeks. Then set the activity: Build a rules table with rule, who enforces it, your product's status and the dated source. Mark against the standard: Task: build a rules table. Condition: official pages only. Standard: each row has an enforcer, an action and a dated source; nothing is guessed. Check at this level: What may you need before selling a radio-enabled product? Model answer: Federal radio approval; check the current rule with the regulator. Level note: Evidence: a supervised task record that meets the standard once.

L4: Product engineer or builder. You can analyse: diagnose why an electronic Computer Manufacturing result missed its target and fix it. Focus module: Assemble a board or a system step by step (Evaluate, 8 h). Assembly follows a written method so every unit is the same. Key points: Write a work instruction with numbered steps, photos and a torque or fit note. Lay out parts in order and check them against a parts list before you start. Install parts gently and check seating, cable routes and screws. Mark each unit with a serial number and record who built it and when. Do the first article check: the first unit is tested fully before the batch continues. Build a jig or tray so every worker places parts the same way. Time each step and add the times to find the time per unit.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A work instruction for a ten-step build is tested with a new worker. She stalls at step six, so the photo is changed and the step is split in two, which makes 11 steps. If each step takes 3 minutes, a unit takes 11 x 3 = 33 minutes. Then set the activity: Write a work instruction and assemble two units from it. Mark against the standard: Task: assemble two units. Condition: a written instruction. Standard: both units match, a second person can follow the steps and each unit has a record. Check at this level: What is a first article check? Model answer: A full test of the first unit before the batch continues. Level note: Evidence: a fault or gap analysis with a fix and a repeat test. This course targets this level.

L5: Senior engineer or line lead. You can evaluate: judge options for electronic Computer Manufacturing against cost, risk and quality. Focus module: Manage parts, suppliers and quality (Create, 6 h). Missing or bad parts stop a line. Plan supply and check what comes in. Key points: Check incoming parts against the order and inspect a sample. Keep a supplier list with lead times and a second source for key parts. Set a reorder point = daily use x lead time + safety stock. Keep spares for the parts with long lead times. Record batch numbers so a bad lot can be traced. Take a sample such as 5 of every 100 parts on arrival, test them and record any bad ones with the batch number. Explain that a part can go out of production; plan a last-time buy or a replacement.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Daily use of a part is 6 and lead time is 14 days, with safety stock of 20. Reorder point = 6 x 14 + 20 = 104 units. When stock falls to 104 an order is placed, and the safety stock of 20 covers a late delivery. Then set the activity: Build a parts list with supplier, lead time and reorder point for ten parts. Mark against the standard: Task: plan parts supply. Condition: ten parts. Standard: reorder points are calculated correctly and a second source is named for the key parts. Check at this level: How do you find a reorder point? Model answer: Daily use times lead time plus safety stock. Level note: Evidence: an options paper with numbers and a recommendation defended to a panel.

L6: Programme or plant manager. You can create: design and pilot a new offer or process in electronic Computer Manufacturing. Focus module: Price the product and prove it pays (Evaluate, 6 h). A computer maker earns by margin on each unit after paying for parts, time and testing. Key points: Variable cost per unit = parts + labour + test + packing + shipping. Margin = price - variable cost. Fixed cost = rent, tools, insurance, software and approvals, paid whatever you sell. Break-even volume = fixed cost / margin per unit. Test the price with real buyers before you commit; talk to a licensed accountant about tax. Include warranty returns as a cost in the cost sheet. Compare your price with three similar products and write why a buyer would pick yours.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Price 1,200 CAD, variable cost 780, so margin = 1,200 - 780 = 420. Fixed cost is 10,000 per month, so break-even = 10,000 / 420 = 23.8, which rounds up to 24 units a month. At 30 units the monthly profit is 30 x 420 - 10,000 = 2,600 CAD (teaching numbers only). Then set the activity: Build a cost sheet, compute break-even and write what you would change if you were 30% short. Mark against the standard: Task: price a computer. Condition: a spreadsheet. Standard: formulas are visible, three what-if cases are shown and a mentor checks the arithmetic. Check at this level: What is break-even volume? Model answer: Fixed cost divided by margin per unit, rounded up to whole units. Level note: Evidence: a pilot with measured results over at least 30 days.

L7: Technology founder or director. You can lead: run a team or business in electronic Computer Manufacturing and develop others. Focus module: Run a small production batch for real (Create, 8 h). Run a pilot batch and measure it. Then decide to stop, change or grow. Key points: Set the batch size, schedule and a stop rule before you start. Record yield, rework and time per unit each day. Do a final check and pack with a care and warranty note; check the current consumer rules for warranties in your province. Handle returns by reason and fix the top reason. Write a 12-month plan with milestones, a budget and a risk list. Write the stop rule as a number, for example yield below 80%. Hold a short daily meeting to check yield, rework and parts.

Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A pilot of 30 units reaches 90% yield, so 27 units pass, and takes 3 hours per unit. The stop rule was yield below 80%, which would be fewer than 24 good units. The decision is to run a second batch of 50. Then set the activity: Run a pilot batch of at least 10 units and write the review. Mark against the standard: Task: run a pilot. Condition: a written plan and stop rule. Standard: measures are recorded daily, the review reasons from evidence and a panel can repeat the plan. Check at this level (this question is covered in module 6: Manage parts, suppliers and quality): Why record serial and batch numbers? Model answer: So a bad unit or bad lot can be traced. Level note: Evidence: a record of results over a year and of people you have coached to a higher level.