I learned the hard way that component placement can make or break PCBA. One time I didn’t leave enough clearance around a tall connector and it became a soldering nightmare. Now I double check all my placements and make sure everything is assembly friendly before sending it off.
With modern PCBs incorporating high-density components and leadless packages, relying solely on manual checks is not feasible. The sheer number of solder joints and connections in an average PCB is overwhelming. Implementing DFA checks through software tools can automate the verification process, ensuring that every aspect of the design is optimized for assembly, significantly reducing the risk of errors.