Beyond Design: Slaying Signal Integrity Villains
Elementary Mr. Watson: Running the Signal Gauntlet
The Shaughnessy Report: Winning the Signal Integrity Battle
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
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
A.R.T. Invests in Latest Equipment to Further Enhance Electronics Training Facilities
09/17/2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. (A.R.T.), a leading independent IPC-accredited training provider, has announced a series of new equipment investments at its state-of-the-art training centre.
Richardson Electronics Appoints Daniel Albers to Drive Made-in-USA Contract Manufacturing Expansion
09/17/2025 | Globe NewswireRichardson Electronics, Ltd., a global provider of engineered solutions for the green energy, power management, and custom display markets, announced the appointment of Daniel Albers to spearhead business development for its expanded, Made-in-USA contract manufacturing efforts.
STMicroelectronics to Advance Next-generation Chip Manufacturing Technology with New PLP Pilot Line in Tours, France
09/17/2025 | STMicroelectronicsSTMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, today announced new details regarding the development of the next generations of Panel-Level Packaging (PLP) technology through a pilot line in its Tours site, France, which is expected to be operational in Q3 2026.
Indium President and CEO to Deliver ELCINA CEO Forum Keynote at Productronica India
09/17/2025 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation President and CEO Ross Berntson will deliver the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) CEO Forum keynote at Productronica India, to be held September 17-19 in Bengaluru, India.
TTCI and The Training Connection Strengthen Electronics Manufacturing with Test Services and Training at PCB West 2025
09/16/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, and The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) will exhibit at PCB West 2025, taking place Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California. Visitors are invited to Booth 113 to explore the companies’ complementary expertise in test engineering services and workforce development for the electronics industry.