What is Documentation
Documentation is the process of creating and maintaining comprehensive records and instructions related to the design, manufacturing, and assembly of printed circuit boards. It involves documenting all the necessary information, specifications, and procedures required to successfully produce and assemble PCBs.
Proper documentation supports simplification and success in the complex process of taking a design from schematic to an actual working prototype. It provides a reference for engineers and technicians involved in the manufacturing process, ensuring that they have access to complete and accurate information.
Documentation also exposes flaws early on in the design and manufacturing process. Different engineers may have different perspectives and interpretations of a design, and documentation helps bridge the gap between academic approaches, practical considerations, and cultural mindsets. By documenting processes thoroughly, inefficiencies and potential issues can be identified and resolved before large-scale manufacturing, preventing costly backtracking and delays.