FAQ // Customer Portal

The Sierra Circuits Customer Portal

What is the Sierra Circuits customer portal?

Our customer portal is a self-service portal providing an online communication channel between Sierra Circuits and customers. It enables customers to maintain their profiles, address book, change their password, and track their order history and any communication while order is in process.

Tracking Orders

Can I see the live status of my project?

Yes, you can check the live status on the “Project Details” page by accessing the “Order Status” tab.

What is Sierra Project or SPX#?

Your Sierra Project number (e.g., SPX12345) identifies the specific project folder associated with your Turnkey PRO order. The Project Folder is where you will be able to view and resolve issues we found in running DFM and DFA checks, see previous events, and change settings and request changes.

How can I access Sierra Projects?

A Sierra Project or SPX# will be generated after a qualifying order is placed. The customer will receive an alert email notifying them that an SPX has been created for their order. The customer can click on this link to auto-login or visit our website to log into their account and access a particular Sierra Project.

How do I know if there are any open issues with my project?

Anytime Sierra Circuits engineers publish issues in the project, the system will generate an alert email to inform the customer. The customer can click on the SPX or Issue link provided in the email to auto-login or visit our website to log into their account and add a resolution.

Who will get notified when a project or an issue is created?

Sierra Circuits sends out email notifications to all of the members included in the notification list with a primary role when there is an open project or an issue is created.

The customer can manage their notification list from the Project Settings page in SPX#/Sierra Project or they can request that the sales person make a change to their Notification List. The customer can also review their notification history and event log on the Project Settings page.

Project Sharing

Can I forward this SPX or Issue link to other team members?

Yes, you can forward this link to the person who can provide issue resolution. A secondary person needs to provide their information in order to be able to access this project.
We also have share option in your Notifications list. The customer can enter the Engineer’s information to access the Shared Project even if you do not have a Sierra Circuits Account.

Making Changes to an Active Project

How do I request a change in my project?

You can create a change request on the Issue Page. Click on “Create Change Request”, enter the details of the change request, and attach files if any.

Customer Consigned Inventory (CCI)

1. What is the CCI form?

The Customer-Consigned Inventory form allows you to provide consignment details, such as quantities, MPN, and part descriptions, to consign components for your PCBA. Using the CCI form, you can efficiently manage and track your consigned components, ensuring they are accurately received and integrated into your projects.

2. How can I access the CCI form?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits’ customer portal.

Step 2: Click on the specific SPx number associated with your project.

Step 3: Go to Issues and select Customer Consigned Inventory Form.

You can also get the CCI form by contacting our sales team by email or phone.

 

3. How do I consign the components required for my PCBA?

Step 1: Click on the specific SPx number associated with your project.

Step 2: Navigate to the Issues section.

Step 3: Go to the Customer Consigned Items (CCI) Form and fill in the consignment details.

Step 4: Include a printout of the completed CCI document with your shipment. Upon receiving your components, we will update the inventory in the SPx portal.

 

4. How can I add my consignment details to the CCI form?

You can upload your data in two ways:
1. Open the CCI form, fill out the consignment details in the component table, enter the delivery method, and hit submit.

2. Select Upload Spreadsheet for New Consignment and click Download Spreadsheet. This will download an Excel template.

Fill in the part quantities in the document and upload it by clicking Upload Spreadsheet.

5. How do I upload my consignment details in bulk?

Step 1: Click on the specific SPx number associated with your project.

Step 2: Navigate to Issues.

Step 3: Go to the Customer Consigned Items (CCI) Form, select Upload spreadsheet for new consignment, and click Download Spreadsheet. This will download a template.

Step 4: Fill in the part quantities in the downloaded document and upload it by clicking Upload Spreadsheet.

Step 5: After uploading the file, hit Submit, take a printout of the CCI document, and include it in your shipment.

Once we receive your components, we will update the inventory in the SPx portal.

6. What happens after I submit the CCI form?

You will receive a confirmation message upon submission. Once we receive your components, the details will be updated in the SPx portal

7. What delivery methods are available for consigning my components?

You can choose from the following delivery options:
Ship (Courier): Ship your components directly to Sierra Circuits.
Drop-off: Deliver your components in person to our facility.

8. Can I send alternate components for my order, and will you include them?

Yes. If you want to use alternate components, include their MPNs in your component list. Our system only recognizes MPNs listed in the CCI form, so adding them upfront helps avoid delays.
To add an alternate MPN:
Step 1: Click on the specific SPx number associated with your project.

Step 2: Navigate to Issues.

Step 3: Go to the Customer Consigned Items (CCI) Form and click plus sign next to the component you’re replacing.

Step 4: Enter the new MPN and click Approve.

Clear-to-Build (CTB)

1. What is a CTB report?

The Clear-to-Build report indicates whether we have sufficient components to assemble your board. It helps you track the progress of component procurement, availability, and assembly readiness, ensuring that your project stays on schedule and meets its deadlines.

2. How can I check the CTB status?

Step 1: Log in to Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and select your SPx number.

Step 2: Navigate to Issues.
Step 3: Go to Clear to Build BOM.

3. My CTB status says “Yes with possible attrition shortages”. What does it mean? How do I resolve this?

This means we have enough parts to start the assembly process, but we may need more components to overcome possible attrition.

To resolve this, check the component table in the report for any shortages. If any consigned items are in shortage, ship the required parts by filling out the CCI form.

If Sierra Circuits is procuring the components, check the Last Component Expected Date to know when the components in shortage will arrive. For additional information, contact your account manager.

4. My CTB status says “No.” What does it mean? How do I resolve this?

This means we do not have enough parts to assemble your board.

To resolve this, check the component table in the report for any shortages. If any consigned items are in shortage, ship the required parts by filling out the CCI form.

If Sierra Circuits is procuring the components, check the Last Component Expected Date to know when the components in shortage will arrive. For additional information, contact your account manager.

5. How to check if I have delivered sufficient consigned components for my PCB assembly?

Step 1: Log in to Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and select your SPx number.

Step 2: Navigate to the Issues.

Step 3: Go to Clear to Build BOM.

If the clear-to-build status is Yes, we have received all the required components to assemble your board.

If the status says:
Yes, with possible attrition: We require additional parts to overcome potential attrition.

No: You will have to consign the shortage components.

IST (Issue Ticket)

1. What is an IST?

IST is an issue ticket raised by Sierra Circuits’ engineers to flag any errors in your PCB design (DFM/DFA) and BOM. It helps you collaborate with our project engineers to quickly resolve issues and keep your production on track.

2. How do I check all the issues (ISTs) raised for my specific project?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and click on your SPx number.

Step 2: Go to Issues. You will find all issue tickets (ISTs) raised for your project under All Issues.

3. How can I resolve issue tickets for my project?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and click on your SPx number.

Step 2: Navigate to the Issues section.
Step 3: Under All Issues, select the ticket you want to address.

Step 4: In the Issue Post section, provide clarification or additional information needed to resolve the issue and hit Add Post.

Once your response is submitted, our engineers will close the ticket based on your provided information.

4. How can I share my design files or any other attachment to address/resolve issues (ISTs) in the SPX portal?

In the Issue Posts section, click the attach button and select the file you want to share. This file will serve as a supporting document to help resolve the issue. You can attach common file types such as PDFs, images, or spreadsheets to provide additional context or clarification.

5. What happens after I submit my comments or resolutions for an IST?

The Sierra Circuits engineering team will review your comments after you submit them. If the issue is resolved, the IST will be closed, and you’ll receive an email confirmation. If further clarification is needed, we will contact you to request additional information.

6. How can I track the status of my issue tickets in the customer portal?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and click on your SPx number.
Step 2: Go Issues section, and under All Issues, you will find the status of all issue ISTs

Open: The ticket has been logged and is awaiting review or resolution.
Resolved: A solution has been provided, and the ticket is marked as resolved.

7. How can I resolve ISTs quickly to minimize project delays?

Provide targeted updates to address ISTs instead of resubmitting the entire dataset. For example:
Attach only revised files (e.g., corrected drill files, updated BOM) in the SPX portal’s Issue Posts section.
Submit specific information (e.g., valid MPNs, consignment details) as requested by our engineers.

This approach avoids revalidating the entire design, reduces back-and-forth communication, and speeds up resolutions.

8. Why should I keep track of all my IST issues?

Tracking your ISTs ensures that all DFM/DFA issues flagged during manufacturing are resolved, preventing expensive delays. Additionally, the SPx portal allows you to download resolved IST summaries, serving as a valuable checklist to eliminate recurring errors in your future projects.

A customer service ticket is a formal request submitted through Sierra Circuits’ customer portal to report post-shipment issues, including assembly defects, functional failures, or documentation errors.

2. How do I create a CST?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits’ customer portal and click on your SPx number

Step 2: Go to Customer Service Tickets.

Step 3: Choose the appropriate ticket category

Step 4: Select your specific issue type.
Step 5: Provide additional information under Details and attach any relevant files.

Step 6: Click Create CST to submit the ticket. Our engineering team will review your request, address the issue, and provide relevant feedback through email or directly in the portal.

3. How can I track the status of my CSTs in the SPx portal?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits customer portal and click on your SPx number

Step 2: Go to Customer Service Tickets.

Step 3: Select your CST.

Here, you can see the status of your tickets.

Open: Ticket submitted and awaiting review.

Accepted: The engineering team has acknowledged your request.

In-Process: Our engineering team is actively resolving the issue.

Resolved: Solution provided; ticket closed.

4. How do I communicate updates or follow up on a CST?

Step 1: Log in to the Sierra Circuits customer portal and click on your SPx number

Step 2: Go to Customer Service Tickets.

Step 3: Select your CST.

Step 4: Under CST Notes, add comments or questions and click Add Post. Our Engineering team will respond via email or directly in the portal.

5. What happens after my CST is resolved?

You’ll receive final resolution notes summarizing the solution. All communications and resolved CSTs are documented in the portal and can be downloaded for future reference.