Global Citizenship: Together for a Perfect PCB Solution
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
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.
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
Weaning the U.S. Military Off a Tablet Supply Chain That Leads to China
09/08/2025 | Jim Will, USPAETablet computers are essential to how our military fights, moves and sustains, but these devices are built on a fragile global supply chain with strong ties to China. Building domestic manufacturing to eliminate this vulnerability is feasible if we tap into the information and capabilities that already exist and create strong demand for tablets produced by trusted and assured sources.
September 2025 SMT007 Magazine: An Eye on India
09/02/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIndia is on track to become the world’s fastest-growing major economy within the next two years, and that momentum is already reshaping its electronics manufacturing sector. Whether you work with Indian suppliers or serve Indian customers, chances are the country will become a bigger part of your supply chain in the near future.
The Hidden Geography of Electronics: Rethinking Trade, Inputs, and Strategic Advantage
08/27/2025 | Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics AssociationBeneath the surface of debates about reshoring, tariffs, and supply chain resilience lies a deeper reality: Global electronics manufacturing is increasingly driven by the flow of inputs, not just the shipment of final goods. Electronics manufacturing is not just global; it is globally interdependent. In 2023 (the most recent data available), electronics trade reached $4.4 trillion, accounting for more than 20% of total global merchandise trade.
The Power Shift in U.S. Manufacturing Ownership
08/20/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007The U.S. manufacturing landscape is driven by reshoring initiatives, supply chain realignments, and a surge of foreign interest. What does that mean for U.S.-based PCB and EMS companies? In this interview, mergers and acquisitions expert Tom Kastner breaks down the forces reshaping the industry—why foreign investors are eager to enter the U.S. market, why many are evaluating greenfield facilities over acquisitions, and why the high-mix, low-volume focus of most domestic shops doesn’t always align with foreign buyers’ goals.
Technica Demo Days Event Proves to Be Beneficial to Customers
08/18/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA’s Demo Days Event, took place August 13–14 at the company’s Demo Center in San Jose, California. The event featured live demonstrations and presentations from key supply partners ESSEMTEC, INOVAXE, and PARMI showcasing the latest innovations in SMT manufacturing and automation technology.