Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to propose a new software tool to support design for quality (DfQ) in the electronics manufacturing sector where quality and reliability are critical. Design/methodology/approach -An integrated modelling framework that enables complete and realistic representations of manufacturing systems is proposed. A software tool, developed based on this framework, offers two modules to support DfQ: simulation and root cause analysis. This paper focuses on the latter. Findings -Integrated models enable tracing back effects to their root causes. Software tools based on these, kind of models can provide support in finding and eliminating the cause of a particular effect. This capability can be used to perform DfQ in an effective and accurate way.Research limitations/implications -The approach proposed strongly depends on the quality models within the integrated modelling framework. The models currently available are little and simplified. Future work includes the enrichment of the software by developing and more quality models. Practical implications -The adoption of the proposed approach in an industrial context requires formalised information to fulfil the data required by the integrated modelling framework. Originality/value -The main contribution of the paper is the integrated modelling framework definition and its implementation in the form of a software tool. The adoption of this tool in printed circuit assembly companies can support the solution of real quality problems and consequently, help to optimise manufacturing systems in the domain.

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High value added electronics manufacturing is a challenging sector that requires compliance with demanding quality standards. Tools and methods to support Design for Quality (DfQ) are limited within the domain. In this paper a software toolkit to support (DfQ) is proposed based on the underlying concept of integrated modelling. Based on this principle a simulation module to predict quality in terms of manufacturing defects and a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) module to support their elimination have been developed. The focus of this paper is on the latter RCA module. After a description of the integrated modelling concept and the software toolkit, a case study is presented to demonstrate the value of the software. The results illustrate possible roles of the quality support toolkit in solving real quality problems in printed circuit assemblies (PCA's) manufacturing. The results include measures of product quality improvements and savings in terms of time and cost.