I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

From UHDI to DesignCon to IMAPS and IPC APEX EXPO, we are in the full swing of the U.S. trade show season. The I-Connect007 Editorial Team has been covering these important events and topics. You’ll find all that coverage and more on our website, so please check it out. 

For my top picks this week, I wanted to highlight some other important content we’ve featured. First is the incomparable Stephen Chavez, who provides insight into what the future PCB designer will look like. Bob Duke of American Standard outlines the seven key challenges he sees in offshore manufacturing. We move seamlessly from there to tariffs, one of today’s most talked about topics. Jeffrey Beauchamp of NCAB looks back at a recent timeline regarding tariffs, and it’s quite interesting. I’m also pointing you toward a feature on a thriving EMS company in Malaysia, one of the two most popular locations for China Plus One manufacturing expansions. Finally, we acknowledge the expansion news of a long-time PCB and EMS global supplier.

The PCB Designer of the Future: Blending Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability
Published January 30

Stephen (Steph) Chavez of Siemens never disappoints in his contributions to the PCB design community. In the January issue of Design007 Magazine, Steph addresses the interesting topic of “designers of the future,” highlighting popular topics like the reality of AI-augmented creativity, a more energetic focus on sustainability advocacy, and the need for the new age of designers to possess more interdisciplinary expertise. Though focused on the PCB designer of the future, this is informative and quite applicable (in my opinion) for all of us, regardless of the particular part of our industry you happen to fall into. 

Global Sourcing Spotlight: Seven Key Challenges in Offshore Manufacturing
Published February 5

From managing long lead-times to shipping and logistics issues, Bob Duke provides a comprehensive look at the challenges in choosing to manufacture your products offshore. Though focused on the U.S., these things ring true no matter where you happen to be headquartered. As we have all come to know well, it is not always about the piece price. Total cost of manufacturing matters, and now more than ever. Take a couple of minutes with this quick read. 

Fresh PCB Concepts: Tariffs and the Importance of a Diverse Supply Chain
Published February 6

NCAB’s Jeff Beauchamp shares his predictions about tariffs under the new U.S. administration. “President Donald Trump has said multiple times he will increase tariffs on goods from China from anywhere between 25% to 60%,” he writes. “The potential domestic and international economic impact of these tariffs could lead to increased inflation and trade wars, as well as major disruptions in the global supply chain.” In light of a colleague’s recent trip to Thailand to audit factories that are meant to offer a cost-competitive alternative to China, he outlines a tariff’s timeline from 2018 to present. 

Siti's Recipe for Success: Siti Wahab's Thriving EMS Business in Malaysia
Published February 5

CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bh., in Malaysia is a thriving woman-owned EMS business profiled in the Winter issue of IPC Community. Siti Padillah Binti Abdul Wahab, shares her “simple” recipe for success, but when is success ever simple, even if the principles behind it are? Siti graduated college and started her manufacturing career at the age of 20. She says that through resilience and determination, she has continued to chart her company’s course toward ever-increasing success. If you are looking for a little inspiration this Friday, read on.

Technica USA Expands Partnership with ASMPT to Southern California and Southern Nevada
Published February 5

Technica USA announced an expansion with its partner ASMPT this week, creating a larger presence on the West Coast in Southern California and Southern Nevada, and illustrating once again a certain level of robustness in the North American PCB and EMS markets. This year, Technica celebrates the impressive milestone of 40 years serving the industry. I happen to know that there is a lot going on at Technica these days, and this expansion is just part of it. Stay tuned for more as we approach IPC APEX EXPO in March.