Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
The Knowledge Base: Cultivating Your Brand in the Age of Connection
SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Warren Buffett’s Perpetual Wisdom, Part 2
Stan Rak: Elevating the Ideas and Insights of IPC's Thought Leaders Program
April 25, 2024 | Stanton Rak, SF Rak CompanyEstimated reading time: 1 minute
As a member of the IPC Thought Leaders Program (TLP), I am responsible for identifying knowledge-sharing opportunities that can generate ideas and insights that strengthen the IPC community as well as create a sustainable and lasting future for its members. I am delighted to highlight some of my recent contributions as a member of the TLP.
Webinar: Improving Technical Writing
In a September 2023 workshop on workforce development, I delivered a webinar titled "Technical Paper Writing: Industry Best Practices for Conference Manuscripts." The webinar was prompted by my observations as chair/co-chair of the IPC APEX EXPO Technical Program Committee (TPC) for 2022 and 2023, as well as preparations for ECWC16. TPC members believe there is a need to communicate and document information in a formal and permanent record for the advancement of science and technology. Technical papers add to the credibility of our work so others can truly understand the benefits and advance the field themselves. It is also important that any work presented at IPC APEX EXPO is described in a manner that can be reproduced by others. Additionally, many members of the IPC community are involved with standards task groups and know that high-quality technical papers are often leveraged to help create new and stronger industry standards.
In my leadership role on the TPC, I observed that technical manuscript writing was more prevalent in scientific and academic communities and less so in engineering and industrial environments (where most IPC members reside). I also noted that technical paper writing is in danger of becoming a lost art. In today’s fast-paced world, information is often communicated digitally in brief formats like text messages, posts, and video clips. PowerPoint presentations are useful for conveying information in most professional settings. All these forms of communication serve a valuable purpose: the timely and illustrative dissemination of information. But the quality and breadth of the information can have its limitations.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of IPC Community, click 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
Flexible Circuit Technologies to Host Free Flex Heater Webinar
08/18/2025 | Flexible Circuit TechnologiesGlobal Supplier of flexible circuits, flex design services, and assembly/box-build services, Flexible Circuit Technology will host their latest webinar, "Thermal Precision Meets Flexibility: The Technology Behind Heater Circuits" on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at 11 AM EDT.
A.R.T. Ltd. Nominated in Four Categories at 2025 Instrumentation and Electronics Industry Awards
08/11/2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. (A.R.T. Ltd.), a leading provider of electronics training and consultancy, has been shortlisted in four categories at the 2025 Instrumentation and Electronics Industry Awards, including Industry Personality, Academic Support, Rising Star, and Best Customer Service.
EMC Taiwan Receives IPC-4101 Qualified Products Listing Certification
08/08/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationIPC’s Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC-4101 Qualified Products Listing (QPL) to Elite Materials Co. (EMC), an electronics base material manufacturing company headquartered in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
Global Excellence in PCB Design: The Global Electronics Association Expands to Italy
08/07/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationIn today's rapidly evolving electronics industry, printed circuit boards (PCBs) serve as the critical backbone influencing the success, reliability, and time-to-market of countless products. Recognizing this essential role, the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC), a worldwide leader in electronics standards, certification, and education, is now expanding its internationally acclaimed PCB design training to Italy.
Dana on Data: Best Practices in Interpreting Drawing Notes—‘Use Latest Revision’
08/07/2025 | Dana Korf -- Column: Dana on DataThe global nature of electronics manufacturing requires clear, consistent, and precise communication, particularly in technical documentation. An area where miscommunication often arises is in interpreting drawing notes—small lines of text with the potential to dramatically impact product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.