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Critical Manufacturing to Show You Might Need a New MES for Making Industry 4.0 A Reality at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
March 10, 2025 | Critical ManufacturingEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Critical Manufacturing, a leader in advanced Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and a subsidiary of ASMPT, will show visitors to IPC APEX EXPO 2025 that the company’s MES - complete with extensive features specific to the electronics industry - can serve as a true Industry 4.0 platform. Any electronics manufacturer looking to turn its vision of digital transformation from concept into reality should prioritize visiting Critical Manufacturing at ASMPT SMT Booth 1813.
IPC APEX EXPO, the largest event in North America for the electronics industry, will take place on 18-20 March at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Together with ASMPT SMT, Critical Manufacturing will show the crucial role of MES for the intelligent factory, facilitating SMT and plant-wide optimization, speeding throughput, lowering the cost of innovation and enhancing production agility.
“Customer demand for new and unique products is rising, which means electronics companies must shorten development cycles,” states Dante Dominguez, Director of Sales for SMT, North America. “Being first to market with new products means producing low-volume runs quickly at high quality and at the right cost. This capability requires the implementation of a smart, Industry 4.0-led MES solution that provides an elevated level of process orchestration and standardization, alongside the agility to execute rapid changeovers. So, yes, manufacturers might need a new MES for making Industry 4.0 a reality.”
Hit those Industry 4.0 goals
Visitors will see how Critical Manufacturing MES helps manufacturers make industry 4.0 a reality, using the latest IIoT, equipment integration, augmented reality and digital twin technologies. As an Industry 4.0 enabler, MES innovation pioneer, and problem solver that delivers tangible results supported by a robust partner ecosystem, Critical Manufacturing addresses the unique challenges of OEM, EMS, and PCB manufacturers. Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing, but without the optimal MES to support the replacement of multiple disconnected point solutions with a fully integrated factory system, achieving real-time visibility, material flow automation, and scalability will prove challenging.
Differentiated MES for SMT
Electronics manufacturers visiting Critical Manufacturing at IPC APEX EXPO will discover an MES with many industry-specific attributes, such as: MSD and floor-life control for handling sensitive components; material serialization and tracking for complete traceability; material availability checks for upcoming orders; set-up preparation ensuring the right recipes, consumables, and durables for key processes; X-outs and virtual ink spot handling to minimize costs and waste; and advanced analytics to provide insights for process optimization and better decision-making.
Alongside a future-ready MES that serves as a complete Industry 4.0 platform to manage advanced processes seamlessly, the Critical Manufacturing solution offers actionable insights through the company’s advanced IoT Data Platform with MES data in context. It is also SMT-ready with out-of-the-box features for complete visibility and control over SMT operations.
The open and integrated SMT solution leverages the major capabilities of the core MES alongside existing line solutions and machine-specific software programs. Connect IoT, equipment integration and automation modules link all types of systems and IoT devices. The solution also oversees edge processing within the IoT Data Platform to reveal powerful real-time factory insights that drive tangible outcomes.
Book a demo/meeting
To see Critical Manufacturing MES in action, schedule a demonstration at the IPC APEX EXPO in advance and meet with the company’s friendly team of experienced professionals. Book here.
Testimonial
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Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
SEL: Revolutionizing PCB Production Through MES, Partnerships, and Vision
08/21/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Two years ago, we visited Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) to better understand its new captive greenfield PCB facility. We recently returned, this time to discuss how this bold vision has transformed the industry. Barry Matties met with John Hendrickson, engineering director, and Jessi Hall, vice president of vertical integration, to discuss the transformative capabilities of Factory Core, SEL’s custom manufacturing execution system (MES), which allows for real-time monitoring of workflow and machine performance, and has led to impressive improvements in quality and cost efficiency.
The Marketing Minute: Staying Positive When the Market Isn’t
08/20/2025 | Brittany Martin -- Column: The Marketing MinuteIn today’s volatile electronics market, buffeted by tariffs, supply-chain shifts, and squeezed margins, it’s tempting to tighten belts and cut your marketing budget. But history shows us that the quietest brands get forgotten fastest. Staying visible is not a luxury; it’s a competitive advantage.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
08/15/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In our industry, my top reads include Prashant Patel’s overview and argument for reshoring, which I found to be a great general overview and breakdown. In further support of the onshoring/reshoring message, I’m highlighting Nolan Johnson’s interview on the survey and report by the Reshoring Initiative. Check out my interview with USPAE’s Jim Will on the state of the flat panel display (FPD) industry and the risks associated with it for U.S. defense and critical infrastructure products.
A Passion for PCB Prototypes: Accurate Circuit Engineering—'Good People Doing Something They Love'
08/13/2025 | Linda Stepanich, Community MagazineFounded in 1983, Accurate Circuit Engineering (ACE) in Santa Ana, California, is a PCB prototype manufacturer and industry leader in radio frequency (RF) and microwave boards. It started as a family company and still adheres to those values by knowing its staff well and tailoring work and education to encourage them to stay at the company. “ACE is good people doing something they love,” says James Hofer, director of operations. “I am passionate about what I do, and ACE allows me to pursue that passion."
Facing the Future: Challenges and Opportunities in Reshoring PCB Manufacturing
08/12/2025 | Prashant Patel -- Column: Facing the FutureFor decades, offshore manufacturing dominated the global electronics industry. The pursuit of cost efficiency, scalability, and access to vast labor markets made countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam attractive destinations for printed circuit board (PCB) production. But a seismic shift is underway, from geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions to rising labor costs and national security concerns.