Connect the Dots: Designing for the Future of Manufacturing Reality—Surface Finish
The Pulse: Caught in the Crosshatch—A Cautionary Tale of Detective Work
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing PCBs for Harsh Environments—Reliability Is Engineered Upstream
January 2026 SMT007 Magazine: Welcome to a Strong 2026
January 8, 2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
We marked a defining moment for the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem in 2025. As OEM requirements evolved, innovation rippled across the entire supply chain from semiconductor packaging and substrate materials to denser boards and more robust designs. Which breakthroughs stood out in 2025, and how are they setting the stage for 2026 and beyond?
In this issue of SMT007 Magazine, we look back at 2025, the trends and the news that readers were most interested in. We also look forward into 2026, relying on market trends and data to help us know what to expect. You’ll find smart analysis by managing editors Nolan Johnson and Marcy LaRont, as well as columnist Dr. Jennie Hwang on how AI will impact manufacturing in 2026.
So, what can we expect this year? Download your copy and find out.
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Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
EMS Suppliers: Consider Selling Your Data as a Service
01/20/2026 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineAs an EMS company, are you looking to separate yourself from the competitive pack in 2026? Beyond adding automation or lowering costs, you can create “stickiness” for your customers by analyzing and selling your data. Despite the growth trajectory of the EMS market in North America, core EMS offerings—such as PCB assembly, testing, quality control, and fulfillment—march toward commoditization.
What’s Driving the Market in Inspection Equipment
12/22/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineAt SMTAI 2025, we polled several automated inspection experts to learn more about their market and emerging customer needs. Among others, we spoke with Nick Fieldhouse, OEI product manager for automated inspection systems, Omron, and Allen Phung, head of sales, America, Koh Young America. We asked them about the current market drivers for automated inspection, including AOI, SPI, and AXI, and sought more details about trends in inspection using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Meet Thiago Guimaraes, IPC's New Director of Industry Intelligence
05/05/2025 | Chris Mitchell, IPC VP, Global Government RelationsThe fast pace of innovation in the electronics manufacturing industry means business owners must continuously adapt their processes and capabilities to meet changing customer demands and market trends. To that end, IPC has hired Thiago Guimaraes as the new director of Industry Intelligence. In this interview, Thiago shares key goals and objectives that could revolutionize the industry as he helps stakeholders navigate industry trends and challenges.
Standard of Excellence: Anticipating Customer Needs Early and Often
03/26/2025 | Anaya Vardya -- Column: Standard of ExcellenceSuccessful companies don’t simply respond to customer needs, they anticipate them. The heart of excellent customer service lies in being proactive, where businesses foresee challenges, provide solutions, and create opportunities before customers know they need them. Here are seven ways to anticipate customer needs and implement them to ensure successful outcomes.
iNEMI Hosts Two Sessions at IPC APEX EXPO, Focus on Roadmap for PCB, Assembly, and Laminates
02/26/2025 | iNEMIThe International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI) will have two forward-looking sessions at the upcoming IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, California (March 18-20). Both sessions are open to conference attendees with a (free) Event Essentials Pass. The two sessions are outlined below.