IPC Great Lakes EMS Leadership Roundtable: Industry Benchmarking and KPIs
Learn More and Register
Date
- (3:00 - 7:00pm CDT)

October 2, 2024 | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Fuji Japanese Buffet – Room 3
32153 John R RD
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone Number: (248) 616-8868

Join fellow EMS leaders in the region to discuss key performance indicators and share industry pain points and solutions.

We will start out by sharing some unique industry metrics and then share some ideas regarding KPI’s and potential benchmarking. Participants will then discuss how to utilize KPIs, how they relate to strategy & daily execution, how to report them and how they ultimately should drive business decisions.

Discussion will pull from direct experience, questions, and ideas. From there, the conversation goes where you, the leaders, take it – whether related to benchmarking and KPIs or into totally different topics. Every roundtable ends in unique takeaways. 

Complimentary registration includes:

  • Peer-led roundtable discussions
  • Updates on relevant EMS industry studies/reports
  • Recap of business resources available
  • Reception and dinner
  • Peer networking, partnership building

Have questions? Email Mark Wolfe at MarkWolfe@ipc.org.

Fuji Japanese Buffet

32153 John R RD
Madison Heights, MI 48071
United States

Learn More and Register
IPC West Coast (Bay Area) EMS Leadership Roundtables: Industry Benchmarking and KPIs
Learn More and Register
Date
- (6:00 - 10:00pm CST)

November 21, 2024 | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Shosha Restaurant – Moon Room
141 S Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(669) 333-4432

Join fellow EMS leaders in the region to discuss key performance indicators and share industry pain points and solutions.

We will start out by sharing some unique industry metrics and then share some ideas regarding KPI’s and potential benchmarking. Participants will then discuss how to utilize KPIs, how they relate to strategy & daily execution, how to report them and how they ultimately should drive business decisions.

Discussion will pull from direct experience, questions, and ideas. From there, the conversation goes where you, the leaders, take it – whether related to benchmarking and KPIs or into totally different topics. Every roundtable ends in unique takeaways. 

Complimentary registration includes: 
•    Peer-led roundtable discussions
•    Updates on relevant EMS industry studies/reports
•    Recap of business resources available
•    Reception and dinner
•    Peer networking, partnership building 

Have questions? Email Mark Wolfe at MarkWolfe@ipc.org.

Shosha Restaurant – Moon Room

141 S Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
United States

Learn More and Register
IPC Partners with Stephen F. Austin State University's CARRI and the IPC Education Foundation for Workforce Development in Electronics Manufacturing

IPC announces a transformative partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU)'s engineering department and Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI) along with the IPC Education Foundation. This collaboration is set to revolutionize workforce development and education in electronics manufacturing, aligning academic programs with industry needs.

Key Objectives of the Partnership Include:

  • Enhancing Educational Opportunities: SFASU's engineering curriculum will now integrate IPC's cutting-edge industry standards and certifications, providing students with the skills directly applicable to electronics.
  • Fostering Industry-Academic Collaboration: Strengthening ties between academia and the electronics manufacturing industry ensures constant knowledge exchange and a curriculum that meets evolving industry demands.
  • Supporting Workforce Readiness: With hands-on training and micro-credentialing opportunities, students are prepared to excel in the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing.
  • Promoting Innovation and Growth: Leveraging diverse expertise and resources, the partnership aims to nurture innovation and expand the talent pool in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Innovative Initiatives for Student Success:

  • Curriculum Development: Integration of IPC certification programs into SFASU’s offerings.
  • Hands-on Training Opportunities: Practical workshops and micro-credentialing enhance students’ industry readiness.
  • Student Engagement and Support: IPC's Education Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Generous Funding and Support:

CARRI has contributed a significant grant to fund this initiative, highlighting its commitment to enhancing education in rural and regional areas.

Weller has donated advanced soldering equipment to enrich SFASU’s engineering workshops further, emphasizing practical skills essential for electronics manufacturing. Colton Clay, Associate Channel Manager, Weller Tools, commented, “Weller is proud to support Stephen F. Austin State University's engineering department by donating state-of-the-art soldering equipment. This contribution underscores our commitment to advancing education and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry.”

Impact on the Electronics Manufacturing Industry:

This partnership is poised to set a benchmark in workforce development, creating a highly skilled pool of graduates ready to tackle industry challenges and contribute to technological advancements.

A Closer Look at IPC X-Ray Inspection Guidelines for BGAs
WEBINAR REGISTRATION
Date
- (12:00 - 1:00pm CDT)

Ball Grid Array (BGA) defects pose significant challenges in circuit board assembly. The IPC guidelines provide a foundational framework for inspection, yet they may not encompass all scenarios effectively. Leveraging the latest advancements in 3D Computed Tomography (CT) technology allows for a detailed examination of each solder ball, facilitating a precise identification of common defects such as voiding, non-wetting, and head-in-pillow phenomena. Through this approach, engineers can conduct a thorough root cause analysis, enhancing the reliability of electronic assemblies.

Speaker Bios

Nick Fieldhouse September 18

Nick Fieldhouse is a Product Manager specializing in Omron’s Automated Optical and X-Ray Inspection solutions. During his nine years at Omron, Nick has gained experience as an Application Engineer and Engineering Supervisor. Additionally, he has presented at major conferences, sharing his expertise on subjects such as “The Benefits of CT X-Ray Inspection” and “Smart Factory Manufacturing.” Nick holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, which he earned from Pennsylvania State University.

 

 

 

 

 

The Engineering Webinar Series will provides FREE, live, monthly educational experiences and videos discussing key design issues surrounding aspects of quality, defect detection & remediation, and design finalization & fabrication. All sessions are recorded and registered attendees will receive a link to the video to watch on-demand. 

WEBINAR REGISTRATION
Electronics Industry Sentiment Rebounds in August After Three-Month Decline
IPC releases August 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report

Sentiment in the electronics industry saw a modest uptick in August, though it remains below the peak observed in April 2024. The improvement was driven by stronger demand and reduced costs according to IPC’s August Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.

Regarding current supply chain conditions, half (50 percent) of electronics manufacturers are currently experiencing rising labor costs, with 46 percent reporting increased material costs. At the same time, ease of recruitment, profit margins, and backlogs are presently declining. Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, although relatively stable. Profit margins and backlogs are expected to rise, with recruitment challenges continuing to persist.

In response to special questions on geopolitical risks and trade policies and tariffs affecting business operations, more than two-fifths (42 percent) of respondents are very or extremely concerned about geopolitical risks and 44 percent are concerned with trade policies and tariffs, with no significant differences by geographical regions.

Additional survey data show:

  • The Demand Index increased 3.3 percent in August.
    • This rise was fueled by better, albeit still contracting, backlog, capacity utilization that shifted to expansion, and heightened order sentiment.
  • Cost pressures eased slightly in August, with both the Labor Costs Index and the Material Costs Index dropping by one point.
    • Despite this decline, both indexes remain in expansionary territory, indicating that a majority of businesses continue to face cost challenges. Notably, the Labor Costs Index hit a new low for the year.
  • Industry outlook Improves in August.
    • The overall industry outlook remained robust in August, although demand sentiment has cooled from earlier highs this year.

These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between July 18 and July 30, 2024.

Read the full report.

Results are In: Global Insight Readership Survey
Aug 13, 2024

IPC's Global Insight editorial team would like to thank the 186 Global Insight readers who took the time to respond to our readership survey. Here are the results:

Global Insight newsletter readership survey results/charts
Global Insight newsletter readership survey results/charts 2

 

News you'd like the newsletter to cover: advanced technologies, solutions to industry problems, economic trends affecting the electronics industry, more global news. 

Congratulations to Renee Lucero, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems! Renee was the winner of the survey drawing. 

Latest Advancements in High-Reliability Electronics Focus of 2024 IPC High Reliability Forum
Forum co-located with IPC Builds, IPC standards development committee meetings

Ensuring reliability in high-voltage electronics, a new standardized test method for abrasion resistance of e-textiles, and assembly and solder joint X-ray challenges are just a few of technical conference topics offered at IPC’s High Reliability Forum October 9-10 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, N.C.

Additional presentation topics cover: safety critical electronics considerations; military, aerospace, medical, automotive, e-Mobility and other applications with specialized reliability requirements; and industry-curated content covering many different topics related to high reliability issues in PCB design, PCB fabrication materials, PCB assembly, PCBA surface reliability, emerging electronic technologies, mitigation strategies and test methods.

Speakers from the following companies include Denis Barbini, Ph.D., Zestron; Steven Dirkes, U.S. Army; Ben Gumpert, Lockheed Martin; Norbert Holle, Ph.D., Robert Bosch GmbH; Takenori Kakutani, Taiyo Ink Manufacturing; Tony Lentz, FCT Assembly; Bob Neves, Microtek Laboratories & Reliability Assessment Solutions; Tim Pearson, Collins Aerospace; Erin Tillery, NC State University; and Udo Welzel, Ph.D., Robert Bosch GmbH. View complete speaker lineup.

“The event provides a unique opportunity for those in industry who design, manufacture, or test electronics for critical applications with unique safety, reliability, and lifetime requirements to obtain the latest research on high-reliability electronics,” said Teresa Rowe, IPC senior director, assembly and standards technology. “This year, attendees will learn about the newest research and emerging trends in high-reliability electronics, hear from subject matter experts, connect with exhibitors and peers, and take advantage of several networking opportunities during the course of the two-day forum.”

IPC High Reliability Forum will be co-located with IPC Builds which is being held October 5-10, 2024, at the McKimmon Center. IPC Builds focuses on IPC standards development committee meetings and encourages industry’s contribution to the standards and guidelines that companies and their customers, suppliers, and competitors rely on. Separate registration is required.

For more information on the IPC High Reliability Forum including agenda, speaker profiles, exhibition and sponsorship information, or to register for event, visit www.ipc.org/event/high-reliability-forum. For more information on IPC Builds, visit www.ipc.org/event/ipc-builds-standards-development-committee-meetings.

Demystifying the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) for the Electronics Manufacturing Industry
REGISTER FOR WEBINAR
Date
-

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a European Union directive that introduces legal obligations on businesses to respect human rights and the environment. It requires applicable companies to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence across their global value chain. It also includes certain obligations regarding climate change as well as language empowering victims of corporate abuse to sue companies before national courts of EU Member States for harm occurring within their value chain.

By attending this webinar, you will:

  • Learn about the scope, applicability, and objectives of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive 
  • Understand what is needed to ensure that your value chain actors respect human rights, adhere to environmental standards, and implement good governance, and
  • Discover practical steps to get started conducting due diligence to mitigate risks across your value chain and demonstrating compliance with the Directive.
Online Event

3000 Lakeside Dr.
Suite 105N
Bannockburn, IL 60015
United States

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR
Private Wireless Networks for Digital Transformation of Manufacturing
Member Download (pdf)

To drive digital transformation and leverage the power of data through analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, enterprises need secure networks that provide mobility, real time visibility to operational data, and the ability to instantly communicate with “man or machine” via voice, video, and data. Unfortunately, broadband connectivity at most enterprises today is a hodge-podge of wireless cellular connectivity, wired internet access, enterprise owned WiFi networks, and walkie-talkie style two-way radio communications. As a result, enterprises face uncontrolled costs, indeterminate security risks, and unmanageable operational complexity.

With the release by the Federal Communications Commission of 150 MHz of Citizen’s Broadband Radio Spectrum (CBRS Band 48, 3.55 – 3.70 GHz) on unlicensed/lightly licensed basis, enterprises large and small can now afford secure, lightning-fast, private broadband wireless networks that deliver the control, predictability, and security of wired connectivity with the mobility, scalability, and ease of implementation of wireless.

Using a case study from enterprise operations, this paper discusses the pros and cons of cellular versus WiFi technologies, cost-benefit analyses of the technologies, and the benefits of private enterprise owned versus carrier owned networks for digital transformation of enterprise operations to Industry 4.0 standards.

Author(s)
Aroon Tungare, Tom Zurawski, Marc Metteauer, Steve Wilson
Resource Type
Technical Paper
Event
IPC APEX EXPO 2023
Raising the Level of Supply Chain Trust for the Future Factory
Member Download (pdf)

Recently, there has been an increase in production stoppages due to cyber-attacks on suppliers. Criminals attack the weakest point of your supply chain. However, little progress has been made in increasing the level of trust in the supply chain, as an essential countermeasure, especially in SMEs suppliers . In this paper, we explore how-to step-up supply chain trust in two ways.

The first method is to raise the cybersecurity awareness level of small and medium-sized suppliers that supply parts and materials. Supporting security personnel and addressing general weaknesses in the IT system itself is usually provided by large companies and security firms. The definition, however, of critical information that must be protected, and the analysis of current threats, are not well advanced, as this knowledge is internal to SMEs. Imagine this. If you walled off your village, what treasures would you protect, where would you put them? Who would control the locks, how would you post guards, etc., or they would be stolen by bandits in no time? In other words, they are not progressing due to bottlenecks in areas that cannot be recognized by large external companies. Our experience will show you how to move your internal personnel forward to find the core knowledge that affects the functional quality of your products, the critical first step, and then to identify threats from a criminal's perspective.

The second method is the advancement of logistics and maintenance, which involves more people. From our experience, we will show how we understand the difference between a factory and a logistics and maintenance supplier in terms of trust, and how we have advanced our logistics and maintenance suppliers.

We believe that increasing supply chain reliability in the above two areas will increase mutual trust and promote supply chain trust, essential, for example, for smart city security.

Author(s)
Hiroyuki Watanabe
Resource Type
Technical Paper
Event
IPC APEX EXPO 2023
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