Powering the Future: The Materials That Make Tomorrow Possible
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Supplier Audits—Ensuring Compliance in Global Sourcing
Nolan’s Notes: Welcome to a Strong 2026!
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: Supplier Audits—Ensuring Compliance in Global Sourcing
01/14/2026 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightGlobal sourcing offers companies significant advantages in the form of lower costs, access to specialized skills, and extended market reach. But those benefits come with critical responsibilities. Ensuring that suppliers meet legal, ethical, and environmental standards is no longer optional. It is a core business necessity. This is where supplier audits play a pivotal role.
Cutting Through the Noise in Component Sourcing
12/29/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007Every engineer knows the pain of searching for parts—it’s often slow, frustrating, and outdated, more like flipping through a phone book than using modern technology. Despite decades of progress in electronics, component sourcing remains one of the industry’s most tedious and time-consuming tasks.
Steve Williams: A Strong Career Built on PCBs
12/17/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineWith more than 40 years in electronics manufacturing, The Right Approach columnist Steve Williams shares the story of a life built on hard work, learning, and leadership. From family business roots to global sourcing strategies, Steve reflects on his proudest milestones and reminds us that success in this industry starts with continuous learning.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Building Long-term Supplier Relationships
11/26/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightCompanies that succeed in today’s market of just-in-time delivery, volatile demand, and geopolitical uncertainty are those with the strongest supplier relationships. Global sourcing is no longer transactional; it’s a strategic partnership model dependent on cultivating and sustaining relationships with overseas suppliers. From trust-building to technology, cultural fluency to contractual alignment, these seven principles form the foundation for sustainable and resilient supply chains.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
10/15/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, speed is a necessity; however, speed without flexibility is a recipe for chaos. Likewise, flexibility without structure leads to inefficiency. Companies thrive when they build agile global sourcing strategies that allow them to move quickly while adapting to market fluctuations, customer demands, and supply chain disruptions. Here’s how leading organizations successfully navigate the critical gap between speed and flexibility in global sourcing.