Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
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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Offshore Sourcing in the Global Supply Chain
11/20/2024 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007Bob Duke, president of the Global Sourcing Division at American Standard Circuits, discusses the challenges and benefits of navigating the global supply chain, including the value of strong supplier relationships, rigorous quality control, and strategic sourcing from regions including China, Vietnam, and India.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
11/12/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn the evolving global sourcing landscape, the question isn’t just whether to buy offshore, but what to buy offshore. With advancements in manufacturing technologies, logistical efficiencies, and the global integration of supply chains, certain industrial products have become advantageous to source from overseas. Whether you're looking to cut costs, access specialized manufacturing capabilities, or ensure consistent quality, knowing which products offer the most benefits when purchased offshore is crucial. Here are some of the best products to consider beyond domestic borders.
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.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Importance of Cooperative Partnerships
09/18/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn today's interconnected world, global sourcing has evolved from a mere transaction to a complex web of relationships. The days when finding the cheapest supplier was the goal are long gone. Instead, the focus has shifted to building cooperative partnerships that ensure not only cost efficiency but also reliability, quality, and sustainability. The success of any global sourcing strategy hinges on the ability to foster these partnerships, which are based on mutual trust, shared goals, and a deep understanding of each other's strengths and limitations.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: More Than Just Saving Money
07/31/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightLast year, I was talking with a potential customer about how I could help her business save money by getting a better value from one of my sources on products she needed to purchase. She was extremely skeptical and only agreed to talk to me because of one of my resourceful salespeople. As we toured her facility, I saw several ways to help her company. She was not an easy sell, and as a true professional, she put me through the proverbial wringer. She tested me not only on why she should buy globally but also on why she should use my company. Eventually, we did business together.