The Marketing Minute: Staying Positive When the Market Isn’t
Marcy’s Musings: Continuing to Invent the Future With SEL
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Failure Is an Opportunity for Growth
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
July 31, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Say what you will about 2020, but it certainly isn’t boring. There’s a lot going on in the PCB world, and there’s something for everyone in this week’s top five picks. And it’s all positive, despite the lingering presence of COVID-19 and its aftereffects. In this wrap-up, we present some solid market news, Happy Holden's thoughts on high-volume microvia reliability, and a look at what our survey respondents look for in a leader.
We also bring you tips for holding the most productive and efficient meetings, and news about a company that has made purchasing capital equipment as simple—and touch-free—as an Amazon transaction. Has every company in our industry improved its processes as a result of this pandemic? I wouldn’t be surprised.
Next week, check the Friday edition of our Daily Newsletter for Managing Editor Nolan Johnson’s picks.
We Asked, and You Answered: What Makes a Strong Leader?
Published July 28
The I-Connect007 Research Team surveys our readers fairly regularly to help us ensure that we’re focusing on the challenges that you all are facing each day. Our recent survey on leadership provided a gold mine of comments about what makes a great leader. For instance, several readers said a great leader must be a great listener as well. As one respondent said, “You’re never the smartest person in the room, even if you’re the CEO.” Editor Michelle Te breaks it all down.
Manncorp Boosts Ability to Buy Online
Published July 29
With everyone working from home now, we’re seeing more and more companies upping their online game. Assembly equipment maker Manncorp now offers the ability to purchase new machines online, with technicians walking customers through customized equipment recommendations. The company also provides remote-location troubleshooting to help customers with setting up pick-and-place machines, for example. We expect to see this trend continue.
North American PCB Industry Sales up 0.8% in June
Published July 30
Despite all of the craziness going on in the world, there are plenty of encouraging signs for our industry. For instance, PCB sales were up in June, and bookings were up almost 17% from the same period last year. The demand for PCBs seems to be outpacing the supply, and that’s a good place to be.
It’s Only Common Sense: The Art of the Meeting
Published July 27
With everyone meeting via videoconferences now, this column by Dan Beaulieu is especially timely. At I-Connect007, we practice much of what Dan is preaching here, including having time allotments for each agenda item, which really helps keep meetings on track. You need to have meetings, so make them count.
Just Ask Happy: Monitoring Via Reliability on a Lot-by-Lot Basis
Published July 29
Our "Just Ask Happy" series has covered a lot of ground, from HDI design tips through final assembly and everything in between. This week, a reader asked Happy for his advice on monitoring microvia reliability for high-volume production, and Happy explained his process in great detail. As befits someone nicknamed "Mr. HDI," Happy has fielded dozens of questions about microvias and via reliability over the past few months. If you have a question for Happy, take the survey by clicking here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Lessons From a Thousand Columns: Dan Beaulieu on Writing, Selling, and Staying the Course
08/21/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007For 20 years, Dan Beaulieu has been a steady voice in sales and marketing, offering weekly columns that challenge, inspire, and guide professionals in the electronics industry and beyond. Soon, he will reach a remarkable milestone—his 1,000th It’s Only Common Sense weekly column. In this Q&A, we look behind the scenes of Dan’s writing journey, exploring what has kept him motivated, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how two decades of weekly columns have shaped his career and the industry conversation.
University Of Minnesota Team Claims Victory In Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025 Round 1
08/19/2025 | EMACThe Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) recently announced that Team "Rise and Grind Crew" from the University of Minnesota has emerged victorious in Round 1 of the Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025.
The Knowledge Base: Cultivating Your Brand in the Age of Connection
08/19/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAudiences have evolved in how they consume information, form opinions, and make purchasing decisions. While marketing still relies on tried-and-true methods—get your name and message in front of your audience—you must also cultivate connection, credibility, and community. Your customers, particularly the younger generation of engineers, buyers, and program managers, want to discover value on their terms.
American Made Advocacy: Where’s the Budget for a Modern Military Run on Microelectronics?
08/19/2025 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyIn a world of peer threats and urgent transformation, having secure, trusted, and reliable microelectronics is non-negotiable. While largely hidden, microelectronics are the ubiquitous enablers of modern defense platforms. Nothing in the current American arsenal flies, floats, or fights without a technology stack that includes a semiconductor, an integrated circuit substrate, and a printed circuit board.
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.