Trouble in Your Tank: Things You Can Do for Better Wet Process Control
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling PCBs Isn’t That Hard, Is It?
Happy’s Tech Talk #32: Three Simple Ways to Manage and Control Wet ProcessesElectronics Industry Mourns Loss of Colleague and Visionary Michael Ford
January 31, 2024 | I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Longtime I-Connect007 columnist, industry visionary, and friend Michael Ford passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. “In this time of sorrow, we can take solace in the knowledge that Michael leaves a great legacy of contribution to the electronics industry,” according to a statement from Aegis Software.
Michael was senior director of emerging industry strategy at Aegis. He was a prolific writer and speaker whose work and ideas put him at the forefront of electronics manufacturing. Working for Aegis gave him the opportunity to apply his software for electronics manufacturing experience to further drive technology solution innovation.
In the statement from Aegis, Michael was described as “always envisioning what was needed to achieve an improved manufacturing future before others could see it. What new system, standard, or concept could help move things forward for the better? Michael could move those ideas to the forefront and was always seeking the views and ideas of others in the process. He had a singular gift in helping everyone he encountered see the future with him in his articulate and compelling way that brought everyone into the process, whether an individual or a full conference hall.”
He started his career with Sony, including eight years working in Japan. He was instrumental in creating and evolving software solutions for assembly manufacturing that meet the most demanding expectations. He was an established thought leader for Industry 4.0 and digital Smart factories, and an active contributor to industry standards.
In 2020, Michael was given the IPC President’s Award as recognition for contributions, including CFX, traceability, secure supply-chain and digital twin standards.
In 2021 Michael was awarded the Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship Award and chose Villanova University’s engineering department as the recipient of the grant which in turn awards a scholarship to benefit the promotion of opportunities for women in the industry.
His column for I-Connect007 was titled Smart Factory Insights, and he frequently took commonly-held ideas and pushed the boundaries of current thinking. He often found ways to improve business operations or create new business models that built off current frameworks.
“Michael has been such a generous and knowledgeable columnist for so long,” says Pete Starkey, a technical editor for I-Connect007. “He was a genuinely lovely man and a worthy recipient of our ‘Good for the Industry’ award. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
One time we asked him for his sage advice and he said, "Always keep an open and progressive mind. Listen to and understand perspectives from all of those around you."
Share on:
Suggested Items
From Silicon to Systems
09/10/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineFor the past few years, IPC has been championing the term “silicon to systems.” More than a buzzword, it has become a slogan—and even a kind of roadmap—for the organization. The term comes in especially handy when IPC is advocating for this industry in Washington, D.C., often addressing politicians who have little understanding of electronics technology.
NASA, Boeing Welcome Starliner Spacecraft to Earth, Close Mission
09/10/2024 | NASANASA and Boeing safely returned the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft following its landing at 10:01 p.m. MDT Sept. 6 at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, concluding a three-month flight test to the International Space Station.
Eutect Overcomes Panel Soldering Challenges with New Gripper
09/06/2024 | Eutect GmbHThe selective soldering of assemblies in panels is not a real challenge. However, if you need to solder relatively large panels with towering components, specialists like those at Eutect GmbH have to step up to the plate.
Bachmann Electronic Opens a Branch in Norway
09/05/2024 | BachmannThe Austrian company Bachmann electronic, which specializes in automation technology for maritime applications, renewable energies, and industry, is expanding its international footprint with a new branch in Norway.
Dan Beeker: Outstanding in his ‘Fields’
09/05/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007At PCB East, I met with Dan Beeker, technical director at NXP Semiconductor, and a speaker at the conference. Dan always gives a spirited interview, so I asked him to discuss his class and challenges in the industry today.