The Knowledge Base: The Era of Advanced Packaging
Standard of Excellence: Finding and Developing Future Leaders in Manufacturing
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Navigating the Variables of Holiday Schedules in Global Sourcing
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
October 18, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
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.
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Global Sourcing Spotlight: Navigating the Variables of Holiday Schedules in Global Sourcing
12/10/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, obvious factors often dominate the conversation: cost, quality, and logistics. However, often overlooked is the impact of local holidays and schedules, such as the Chinese New Year. The current holiday season in the Western world got me thinking about how worldwide holiday schedules can affect commerce and, specifically, global sourcing. These events can have a profound effect on your supply chain, leading to delays, increased costs, and even strained relationships with suppliers. Understanding and planning for these variables is not just best practice; it's necessary for anyone serious about global sourcing.
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Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
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Global Sourcing Spotlight: 10 Rules of the Game
10/16/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightNo matter how many times I visit potential customers, I never tire of giving them advice on global sourcing. It also never surprises me that they usually know very little about the subject. They think they do, but once we discuss the idea of buying products offshore, they have many misconceptions. This made me think that there needs to be some sort of primer or a set of guidelines on the subject.