Entries are judged by an independent panel not directly associated with Global SMT & Packaging magazine or directly employed by an industry supplier.

The international panel will be formed from Industry Consultants, Academics and Trade Associations. Judging will be secret and the results will be audited by an independent market research company.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovation
• Speed/throughput improvements
• Quality contribution
• Cost benefits
• Environmental consideration
• Ease of use/implementation
• Maintainability/repairability