Global PCB Connections: Understanding the General Fabrication Process—A Designer’s Hidden Advantage
Elementary, Mr. Watson: Why Your PCB Looks Like a Studio Apartment
The Shaughnessy Report: A Plan for Floor Planning
N.A. PCB Book-to-Bill Ratio Increases to 1.04 in January
March 2, 2016 | IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to six months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.
Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.
IPC’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio at the end of each month. Statistics for the current month are normally available in the last week of the following month.
About IPC
IPC is a global industry association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 3,700 member companies which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Bangalore and New Delhi, India; Bangkok, Thailand; and Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Suzhou and Beijing, China.
Page 2 of 2Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
University Of Minnesota Team Claims Victory In Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025 Round 1
08/19/2025 | EMACThe Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) recently announced that Team "Rise and Grind Crew" from the University of Minnesota has emerged victorious in Round 1 of the Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025.
The Knowledge Base: Cultivating Your Brand in the Age of Connection
08/19/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAudiences have evolved in how they consume information, form opinions, and make purchasing decisions. While marketing still relies on tried-and-true methods—get your name and message in front of your audience—you must also cultivate connection, credibility, and community. Your customers, particularly the younger generation of engineers, buyers, and program managers, want to discover value on their terms.
American Made Advocacy: Where’s the Budget for a Modern Military Run on Microelectronics?
08/19/2025 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyIn a world of peer threats and urgent transformation, having secure, trusted, and reliable microelectronics is non-negotiable. While largely hidden, microelectronics are the ubiquitous enablers of modern defense platforms. Nothing in the current American arsenal flies, floats, or fights without a technology stack that includes a semiconductor, an integrated circuit substrate, and a printed circuit board.
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Jerry Siegmund
08/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007The Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award has been awarded to those who have contributed significantly to the Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) and our industry. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why.