I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
July 31, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Say what you will about 2020, but it certainly isn’t boring. There’s a lot going on in the PCB world, and there’s something for everyone in this week’s top five picks. And it’s all positive, despite the lingering presence of COVID-19 and its aftereffects. In this wrap-up, we present some solid market news, Happy Holden's thoughts on high-volume microvia reliability, and a look at what our survey respondents look for in a leader.
We also bring you tips for holding the most productive and efficient meetings, and news about a company that has made purchasing capital equipment as simple—and touch-free—as an Amazon transaction. Has every company in our industry improved its processes as a result of this pandemic? I wouldn’t be surprised.
Next week, check the Friday edition of our Daily Newsletter for Managing Editor Nolan Johnson’s picks.
We Asked, and You Answered: What Makes a Strong Leader?
Published July 28
The I-Connect007 Research Team surveys our readers fairly regularly to help us ensure that we’re focusing on the challenges that you all are facing each day. Our recent survey on leadership provided a gold mine of comments about what makes a great leader. For instance, several readers said a great leader must be a great listener as well. As one respondent said, “You’re never the smartest person in the room, even if you’re the CEO.” Editor Michelle Te breaks it all down.
Manncorp Boosts Ability to Buy Online
Published July 29
With everyone working from home now, we’re seeing more and more companies upping their online game. Assembly equipment maker Manncorp now offers the ability to purchase new machines online, with technicians walking customers through customized equipment recommendations. The company also provides remote-location troubleshooting to help customers with setting up pick-and-place machines, for example. We expect to see this trend continue.
North American PCB Industry Sales up 0.8% in June
Published July 30
Despite all of the craziness going on in the world, there are plenty of encouraging signs for our industry. For instance, PCB sales were up in June, and bookings were up almost 17% from the same period last year. The demand for PCBs seems to be outpacing the supply, and that’s a good place to be.
It’s Only Common Sense: The Art of the Meeting
Published July 27
With everyone meeting via videoconferences now, this column by Dan Beaulieu is especially timely. At I-Connect007, we practice much of what Dan is preaching here, including having time allotments for each agenda item, which really helps keep meetings on track. You need to have meetings, so make them count.
Just Ask Happy: Monitoring Via Reliability on a Lot-by-Lot Basis
Published July 29
Our "Just Ask Happy" series has covered a lot of ground, from HDI design tips through final assembly and everything in between. This week, a reader asked Happy for his advice on monitoring microvia reliability for high-volume production, and Happy explained his process in great detail. As befits someone nicknamed "Mr. HDI," Happy has fielded dozens of questions about microvias and via reliability over the past few months. If you have a question for Happy, take the survey by clicking here.
Suggested Items
Digitalisation and ESG
04/19/2024 | Marina Hornasek-Metzl, AT&SDigitalisation and ESG are prominent and high-priority topics in the global business community. The first focuses on applying technology throughout the value chain to produce faster, smarter, and more desirable business outcomes. The latter emphasises the broader value a business is expected to create for its stakeholders from an environmental, social, and governance perspective.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Looking Back, Looking Forward With IEC
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry and with IEC since its founding. He still exhibits boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Brando Stone, a young professional and a future face of IEC, talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO.
Seeking Employment: Meet Parker Capers
04/18/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Parker Capers, a cybersecurity professional with a decade of experience in the SMT industry, earned a bachelor’s degree from DeVry and is CompTIA Security Plus certified. He is open to various industries but has a strong affinity for manufacturing due to extensive familiarity. Parker appreciates smaller companies where personal connections matter. Are you hiring?
SEMI Applauds CHIPS Program Office Progress to Diversify U.S. Semiconductor Industry Workforce
04/18/2024 | SEMIThe SEMI Foundation, the arm of SEMI dedicated to supporting economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry by creating pathways and opportunities for job seekers, applauded strides made by the CHIPS Program Office to diversify the U.S. semiconductor industry workforce and its release of the First Annual Report Regarding the Opportunities and Inclusion Activities Undertaken by the Department of Commerce.
VDMA: Machine Vision Navigating Through Uncertain Times
04/18/2024 | VDMAFor over a decade, the European machine vision industry has reported steady growth, with turnover increasing by an average of 9 percent annually between 2012 and 2022. Despite a temporary setback in 2020 (minus 4 percent) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry rebounded strongly in 2021 (plus 17 percent) and 2022 (plus 11 percent).