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From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
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Building Resilient Supply Chains
July 8, 2024 | Mark Goodwin, Ventec International GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Globalization and offshoring have shaped the supply chains of large manufacturing businesses for the past three to four decades. The main goal has been the relentless pursuit of cost control to minimize expenditure and outlay and thus maximize returns and profitability.
Since the COVID pandemic and the associated disruption to manufacturing, with subsequent turmoil in labour markets and shipping, more companies see the value of resilience in their supply chains. Arguably, we had all become accustomed to everything fitting together neatly with minimal complications, which encouraged setting up increasingly complex and extended supply chains. Until, suddenly, everything stopped.
The drive that powered offshoring is now enthusiastically advocating reshoring to protect against uncertainties and reduce the environmental impact of business activities. However, keeping everything close to home is often not an option. Manufacturing requires appropriate skills, as well as supporting industries, and these, too, have migrated away or simply folded up. I can comment directly on the printed circuit business, where the proportion of boards fabricated in Europe and the U.S. has dwindled to just 2% and 4%, respectively. In the 1980s, there were over 20 suppliers of substrate base materials in Europe. Currently, there are two. Similarly, the number of suppliers of glass and copper foil has fallen from a dozen to just one. Re-establishing local supply chains will take time.
Ensuring the security and integrity of the supply chains we already have is vital. This includes increasing agility to work around external issues such as shipping difficulties and to handle customers’ changing demands.
The key to this is finding out as much as we can about our customers’ manufacturing plans. Of course, some confidential information cannot be shared, so historical data could be used to drive predictive models. Overall, the clearer the knowledge and understanding between supplier and customer, the better each party can plan their activities to fulfill the needs of each.
Companies can greatly improve on-time delivery performance in end-user markets by trusting each other enough to share ERP data that lets suppliers understand exactly where materials need to be at any time. Equipped with even basic information of this type, suppliers can position themselves to ensure the required components are delivered at the time they are needed, minimizing the potential for mistakes, and avoiding expensive emergency deliveries.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the June 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
EU Defence Electronics Ecosystem Highlighted in Brussels
07/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this interview, Alison James, senior director of Global Electronics Association—Europe (formerly IPC), discusses the European Defence & Security Summit in Brussels, June 9–13, as well as the first IPC–ASD Europe Defense Electronics Summit, June 16, which brought together 70 leaders from across the electronics manufacturing supply chain. ASD is the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, and co-hosted both the larger and smaller events.
Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry
06/25/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationToday begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.
Flex CEO Sees US Manufacturing Resurgence
06/18/2025 | I-Connect007In a June 16 interview on Bloomberg Open Interest, Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi said the supply chain is already shifting, with more goods now being manufactured in the U.S.
The Government Circuit: From Tax Policy to Tariffs, Denver to Delhi, Speaking Up for Electronics
06/18/2025 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitI had the privilege of attending the June 3 opening ceremony of AT&S’s HTB3 facility in Leoben, Austria—a milestone moment for Europe’s electronics ecosystem. HTB3 is now the first and only facility in Europe capable of both developing and producing high-performance IC substrates—the advanced platforms that allow powerful chips to connect, process, and function. As demand for AI, 5G, and other cutting-edge technologies grows, so too does the need for sophisticated substrates like those HTB3 will produce.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Evaluating a Supplier’s Capabilities
06/18/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightGlobal sourcing is essential for companies looking to improve cost efficiency, access innovation, and optimize supply chains. Successfully identifying and collaborating with the right suppliers on a global scale requires rigorous evaluation processes. Businesses must ensure suppliers meet industry standards, are financially stable, and can scale alongside their growth.