HEWLETT-PACKARD'S VECTRA PC ASSEMBLY.

In September of 1985 Hewlett-Packard introduced the Vectra Personal Computer as an entry in the 'IBM PC/AT compatible' market. Manufacturing's role during product development was to act as an integral part of the Vectra business team, which also included Marketing and Research and Development. Vectra final assembly and test direct costs were reduced by 56% from previous norms, cycle times were reduced by 22%, and it is felt that a 63% improvement in direct quality has been experienced. Inherent flexibility of the process has presented the opportunity for mixed model assembly of other products which are physically similar to Vectra.