In global sourcing, obvious factors often dominate the conversation: cost, quality, and logistics. However, often overlooked is the impact of local holidays and schedules, such as the Chinese New Year. The current holiday season in the Western world got me thinking about how worldwide holiday schedules can affect commerce and, specifically, global sourcing. These events can have a profound effect on your supply chain, leading to delays, increased costs, and even strained relationships with suppliers. Understanding and planning for these variables is not just best practice; it's necessary for anyone serious about global sourcing.

This week’s must-reads include a discussion on innovation and embedded components within the layers of a PCB with Accurate Circuit Engineering. We revisit the real cost to manufacture in a case study on how a seemingly small design error can have a dramatic effect on your end customer’s costs. Dan Beaulieu provides this month’s book review highlighting the criticality of fostering creativity in the workplace. Bert Horner of The Test Connection discusses his decision to launch a new, complimentary business venture, The Training Connection; and Ramon Roche of NCAB talks about electric vehicle charging.

Real Time with... electronica 2024: NCAB—Shaping the Future of Electronics Manufacturing

Flex PCB Design Best Practices with Dave Lackey

Fresh PCB Concepts: PCB Design Essentials for Electric Vehicle Charging