The Marketing Minute: Marketing With Layers
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 1
It’s Only Common Sense: If You’re Not Differentiated, You’re Dead
IPC Launches Factory of The Future Initiative
November 19, 2020 | IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
To help the electronics manufacturing industry harness the full potential of smart factory/Industry 4.0 technologies, IPC has launched its Factory of the Future initiative. The framework is intended to drive the industry forward by promoting and accelerating modernization; helping to Build Electronics Better.
Building upon 20 years of conventional technology advancements with emerging/disruptive technologies such as digitization, 3D printing, robotics, cloud computing, and equipment data communications, IPC is bringing factory of the future solutions providers together with original equipment manufacturers, EMS companies, and PCB fabricators focused on identifying and solving business challenges important to their companies and supply chains. Target outcomes from new collaborations include improvements in quality, reliability, efficiency, productivity, new product introduction cycles times, and manufacturing operations security enhancements. The model fosters industry-wide modernization by developing new standards, workforce education modules, industry events, and advocacy efforts.
Elements of the initiative include strengthening industry workgroup collaborations (AIAG, PSMA, MTC, HDP, INEMI); addition of new factory of the future technology solutions providers; Chief Technologist Council insights to obtain “voice of customer” input and continuously monitor IPC member manufacturing technology needs; CFX implementation on the shop floor; digital standards portfolio development and growth; and expanded education and training offerings.
“To date, there hasn’t been a clear path on how to implement Industry 4.0 leaving companies paralyzed with information overload and wondering how to make use of innovations that will deliver real value to their business,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technologist and initiative lead. “Taking a leadership role, IPC, through its partners and member base will help industry move beyond Industry 4.0 concepts by shifting to implementation of new/emerging technologies, thus modernizing factories, operations, and manufacturing/business processes. IPC will focus its efforts on building common industry building blocks benefiting the entire electronics industry supply chain.”
IPC President and CEO John Mitchell echoes Kelly’s points, “This initiative is very much implementation focused. Our goal is to drive a unified, standardized, and simplified factory of the future industry transformation. Currently, we are working on defining a new factory of future standards category which will include the following areas: connected factory, cybersecurity, digital twin, blockchain, traceability, model-based design, and PCB/PCBA manufacturing data and transfer methodology. IPC is absolutely investing in the electronics industry’s future. It is our goal to be the go-to association helping companies transform and modernize.”
For additional information on IPC’s Factory of the Future initiative, visit ipc.org/ipc-factory-future.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
NOVOSENSE, UAES and Innoscience Advance Power Electronics for New Energy Vehicles
10/17/2025 | PRNewswireThe partnership focuses on developing next-generation intelligent integrated Gallium Nitride (GaN) products. Leveraging their combined expertise, the new devices will deliver more reliable GaN driving and protection features, enabling higher power density and paving the way for wider adoption in automotive systems.
Jabil Announces Board Transitions
10/17/2025 | JabilJabil Inc. announced that Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors Mark T. Mondello and Directors Kathleen A. Walters and Jamie Siminoff will not seek re-election at Jabil’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders in January 2026.
StenTech Strengthens Precision Parts Platform with AME Acquisition
10/17/2025 | StenTechStenTech, North America’s leading provider of SMT printing solutions and precision manufacturing, has announced the acquisition of Advanced Metal Etching, Inc. (AME), a recognized specialist in chemically etched and laser cut precision parts.
MKS’ Atotech, ESI to Participate in TPCA Show & IMPACT Conference 2025
10/17/2025 | MKS’ AtotechMKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced that its strategic brands Atotech (process chemicals, equipment, software, and services) and ESI (laser systems) will showcase their latest range of leading manufacturing solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) and package substrate manufacturing at the upcoming 26th TPCA Show 2025 to be held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from 22-24 October 2025.
Rehm Wins Mexico Technology Award for CondensoXLine with Formic Acid
10/17/2025 | Rehm Thermal SystemsModern electronics manufacturing requires technologies with high reliability. By using formic acid in convection, condensation, and contact soldering, Rehm Thermal Systems’ equipment ensures reliable, void-free solder joints — even when using flux-free solder pastes.