May Issue of The PCB Magazine Available Now
May 5, 2017 | I-Connect007Estimated reading time: Less than a minute

The May 2017 issue of The PCB Magazine is now available. Everyone is talking about the graying of our industry and the lack of qualified applicants for jobs, ranging from manufacturing personnel to engineers and even management. Who will take over when we retire? Do we simply find qualified individuals or create them? How do we attract and retain them?
Find out this month in The PCB Magazine, now on the virtual newsstand and available for delivery in your e-mailbox by subscribing here.
Consider saving the PDF version to your devices for handy future reference.
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
Elementary Mr. Watson: Running the Signal Gauntlet
09/11/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonIf you’ve ever run a military obstacle course, you know it’s less “fun fitness challenge” and more “how can we inflict as much pain in the shortest time possible?” You start fresh—chest out, lungs full of confidence, thinking you might even look good doing this—and 10 seconds later, you’re questioning all your life choices.
It's Only Common Sense: Leveraging AI in Your Sales Strategy
09/01/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseLet’s get one thing straight: AI isn’t here to replace you; it’s here to make you smarter and faster. Every time a new tool shows up, half the sales floor panics: “They’re going to automate us out of a job!” This is shouted while doomscrolling LinkedIn. Relax. Sales is still, and will always be, about human connection, trust, and delivering value. However, if you’re not using AI to your advantage, you’re handing your competitors a loaded gun and asking them to shoot first.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
08/20/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, the difference between a competitive edge and a catastrophic disruption often comes down to how well you vet your suppliers. Sourcing advanced PCBs, precision components, or materials for complex assemblies demands diligence, skepticism, and more than a little time on airplanes. Here’s how to do your due diligence when evaluating international suppliers and why cutting corners can cost you more than money.
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Failure Is an Opportunity for Growth
08/18/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIt’s only common sense that failure, as painful as it may be, is one of the best teachers. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or navigating your personal journey, failure offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger. If you’re not failing now and then, you’re likely not trying hard enough or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Here’s why failure is not just inevitable but also invaluable, and how to use it as a steppingstone to success.
Global PCB Connections: Understanding the General Fabrication Process—A Designer’s Hidden Advantage
08/14/2025 | Markus Voeltz -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsDesigners don’t need to become fabricators, but understanding the basics of PCB fabrication can save you time, money, and frustration. The more you understand what’s happening on the shop floor, the better you’ll be able to prevent downstream issues. As you move into more advanced designs like HDI, flex circuits, stacked vias, and embedded components, this foundational knowledge becomes even more critical. Remember: the fabricator is your partner.