Connect the Dots: Total Value Manufacturing Solutions
Fresh PCB Concepts: IPC-6012 Class 3 and High-reliability PCB Manufacturing
Elementary, Mr. Watson: The Display Revolution, Now With Fewer Tiny Keys
Occasionally, I’ll intentionally select items for this list that follow a theme. Sometimes, as they did this week, themes assert themselves. The component supply chain and sourcing seem to dominate our coverage this week. We’ve got an update from IPC Government Relations, an interview with counterfeiting watchdog ERAI, the 10 global sourcing rules, a course on AI and machine learning in the EMS sector, and warehouse management.
Next week, the SMTA International conference and expo will return to Rosemont, Illinois, after a two-year sojourn in Minneapolis. I’ll be there, and I’m certain that components and sourcing will be a hot topic. If you’re at the show, be sure to stop by our booth and say hello.
The Government Circuit: Support for Defense Spending Takes Top Priority
Published October 15
The IPC Government Relations team has been very busy of late. IPC vice president of global affairs, Chris Mitchell, asserts, “No matter who wins the White House and control of Congress on Nov 5, IPC will continue working … to advance policies and … ensure the industry’s long-term success.” Mitchell provides quick updates on some GR team programs, and there’s no surprise that the supply chain is prominently mentioned. Read more about what IPC GR is doing for you, here.
IPC Course Overview: AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry
Published October 15
Tim Burke, CTO and co-founder of Arch Systems, is presenting a new course through IPC, "AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry." These topics—AI, machine learning, and Connected Factory Exchange (CFX)—are top of mind in the industry, and in this interview, Tim shares insights into how his company helps customers leverage machine data analytics to enhance manufacturing efficiencies and the tremendously important role of AI, which is making more meaningful data aggregation and its usage significantly easier for everyone.
Untapped Potential: Automating Warehouse Management Into the Present
Published October 15
Josh Casper continues his series on optimizing operations. In this installment, he shares the latest on the impact of manual material handling and the value of warehouse automation. If you’re looking to increase operational efficiencies—and realize the profit margin which follows—it’s worth a read.
ERAI: The Counterfeit Watchdog
Published October 16
In the most recent issue of SMT007 Magazine, I published an interview with ERAI vice president Rick Smith. If you’re not familiar with ERAI, it is an electronics component distribution watchdog organization. If components move through your facility, you run the risk of counterfeits, so you should be familiar with these folks.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: 10 Rules of the Game
Published: October 16
Sourcing columnist Bob Duke points out in this column that “when sourcing products globally, the process is more intricate than simply finding the best price.” He then lists 10 other attributes which require careful attention. Whether you’re a buyer or not, understanding the sourcing intricacies contributes to the team as a whole.
