EMS@C-LEVEL

Following the announcement of the Altimade solution and the news in 2021 that Altium were participating in MacroFab's most recent funding round, I caught up with Altium Chief Ecosystem Office Ted Pawela and MacroFab Chief Executive Officer Misha Govshteyn. In this 20 minute interview we explore the new solution and the importance of connecting the digital thread from design through manufacturing. EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

In the 2021 series I am talking to new executives as well as checking in with those I spoke to in the depths of the pandemic. In this interview I chat to Juan Arango, General Manager of Koh Young America, asking how the last year has been, the lessons learned from the COVID experience and what the recovery looks like. Koh Young have enjoyed some real growth in late 2020 and into 2021 and Juan shares his view on why that has happened. He also shares his insight into the future of manufacturing in the Americas and the importance of family and team to the success of the business. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

We seem to be moving from one supply chain disruption to another right now. The 2020 challenges of the pandemic caused demand for devices to fluctuate in a manner that can only be described as a roller-coaster ride, and now we have those devices in desperately short supply. I caught up with Season Group President and CEO Carl Hung to talk to him about disruption and the role of design in planning for and mitigating risk. We also explore lessons learned during the pandemic, globalization, China plus one, skill shortages, the future of EMS, and the importance of organizational culture. Lots to dig into in this 25 minute interview. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

This year has been a tough year for the supply chain, as was last year and the twenty or so before that! And so it goes... I interviewed Dennis Menefee, President and CEO of Partstat to explore their experiences and their solutions to the continued disruption of supply chains. Dennis explains why their offering isn't too good to be true and does work in practice. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Back for its second season, EMS@C-Level kicks off 2021 with Bright Machines CEO and Co-founder Amar Hanspal exploring what lessons 2020 has taught him, Bright Machines and the Industry as a whole. Host and Forbes and Entrepreneur writer Philip Stoten unpacks Amar's vision for the future of the industry and the opportunity for the US to take a huge step forward in manufacturing technology and leapfrog many of their competitors to become a world leader. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com).Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Following the news of their acquisition of PCB platform provider Electronic Fellows, I spoke to Luminovo founder Sebastian Schaal about their own progress as well as the strategy behind the acquisition. We also explore the role of AI in the digital transformation of the manufacturing, and more specifically, the EMS industry. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Does a disruptive climate help or hinder women in the workplace? Has diversity improved in electronics? How's the manufacturing industry doing and what else can be done? These are just a few of the questions I put to Jackie Mattox, who founded Women in Electronics a little over four years ago with group of twenty like minded women. Their stated goals are to empower, develop, advocate and celebrate women in this largely dominated industry where those in power are far from reflective of those consumers buying the products. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com) If you haven't already, you should check out Jackie's podcast 'WE Radio' on your favorite podcast platform or at https://we.memberclicks.net/we-radioLike every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

With one disruption after another hitting the electronics manufacturing industry it's hard to know where to turn for a take on sentiment and mood as a whole. I turned to IPC's President and CEO John Mitchell, always a great source of knowledge and always happy to offer his own insight and opinion. In this 30 minute chat we explore digital transformation, government initiatives and EGS as well as chatting briefly about plans and expectations for APEX 2022 in January. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Following the announcements of EMSNOW and IPC's North American EMS Research Study, I caught up with the ever-charming Eric Miscoll to explore the what, why, when, where and how of this bold and ambitious endeavor. In this short but informative session Eric explains the need for solid data on the size and shape of the North American Industry and just how companies can complete the survey, to be published later this year. You can read about the survey and participate at https://emsnow.com/emsnow-partners-with-ipc-launches-north-america-ems-research-study/Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Celebrating 50 years in electronics, Elmatica is the oldest PCB broker in the world and is trusted by numerous companies to mange their PCB supply chain. In a world where one supply chain disruption seems to follow another, having a partner that's got you back in terms of sourcing would seem pretty smart. Elmatica's CEO Didrik Bech was in Wuhan at the beginning of last year, so we started by exploring his and Elmatica's experience then and throughout the pandemic. We also explored the role of sustainability, the development of more sophisticated supply chain tools and the importance of cybersecurity in the supply chain. EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

In the first half of 2020, a difficult period for most, NOTE’s sales increased by 16%, operating profits by 31%, operating margin grew to 7.7%. In the last two years, the stock price has increased from around SEK 23 to over SEK 60. The man in charge throughout those two years has been Johannes Lind-Widestam. Here, industry commentator Philip Stoten talks to Johannes about the strategy that served them so well throughout 2018 and 2019 and has supported them through the pandemic.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

In this time of disruption some supply chains have been tested and found lacking, other have been able to step up and make a positive difference. PCH International is one such company. Their asset light, expertise heavy operating model has been able to deliver PPE in vast quantities all over the world, including fulfilling a request from U2 lead singer Bono to provide PPE to hospitals in Ireland. Industry journalist, Philip Stoten, spoke to Liam from his home in Ireland and explore their pandemic experience, the future of the industry, driving more sustainable supply chains and much more.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

COVID-19 has put leadership, team and talent under the microscope, with exceptional leadership steering companies through the stormy waters of supply, demand and workplace disruption. Industry journalist and writer Philip Stoten spoke to Audrey McGuckin, one of the EMS industry foremost experts on the development of leadership and talent to find out exactly what good leadership means to a business, how it can be developed, and the leadership qualities needed now and in the future. Audrey combines her deep domain expertise in leadership with an intimate knowledge of the EMS industry earned over several decade playing a pivotal role at the largest and most successful manufacturing companies in the world.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. In this episode Philip is joined by Akhil Oltikar, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Technologists Omnics. Akhil has an impressive pedigree in supply chain and is seen as somewhat of an evangelist in the use of data and software to improve its management and improve performance and outcomes. Akhil worked with FLEX and Riverwood Solution before founding Omnics. The two explore Akhil's pandemic experience and explore how the crisis might accelerate digital transformation to assist with much needed supply chain adaptability, agility and resilience!Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. In this episode Philip is joined by Dr. Bill Cardoso, CEO of Creative Electron, one of the industry's leading manufacturers of x-ray equipment. Bill is considered an innovator and a leader in the field of x-ray technology and is on the board of the SMTA. They explore pandemic experiences and Bill explain how he returns to his in-garage roots to build a deployed manufacturing ecosystem to keep production going. They also explore the challenges of leadership in a crisis and the need for technology and digital transformation to help lead us to a more agile and resilient future.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. In this episode her is joined by Markus Aschenbrenner of Zollner, the world's largest family owned EMS to discuss their experience of the pandemic and how they see the future. Digital transformation remains high on the agenda, with real-time data driving better visibility, agility and resilience.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Explore the power of diversity with insights from IPC President John Mitchell, filmed on location at APEX 2024. John explains why inclusion of diverse talent pools leads to proven benefits like profitability and innovation. John describes the intricacies of fostering diversity within our workforce, explaining how a mix of backgrounds and perspectives is akin to a potpourri that enlivens the senses and enriches our work environments. From gender diversity to hiring neurally diverse individuals, we uncover inspiring strategies that underscore diversity as a strategic business advantage.We also dig into how IPC aids companies in nurturing an inclusive culture, including the success stories of organizations like Microboard and Pride Industries, who are actively embracing inclusivity. John and I share anecdotes of how IPC's accessible training materials and programs, such as the apprenticeship program, pave the way for transformative personal and professional growth, turning overlooked potential into star employees. Join John and me for an interview that celebrates diversity's impact on innovation and decision-making.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

India's electronics manufacturing landscape is changing at an unprecedented rate. In this interview I, Philip Stoten, chat with Colonel Sharath Kumar Bhat of Kane Technology India about why and how India is transforming itself into a manufacturing hub for the region and the world. We discuss the strides made by the Indian electronics sector, fueled by government initiatives and global mega trends like 5G, AI, and the EV revolution. Sharath sheds light on India's ascent to becoming a formidable force in the global manufacturing arena, navigating the opportunities and challenges that this journey presents. We also delve into Kane Technology's innovative strategies and their significant acquisition of Digicom in the US, underscoring their commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions from conception to service to a global market. He also share insights from his own journey, where military precision and a strategic approach to leadership have been pivotal. Sharath explains the importance of talent in the business, and of hiring global expertise while cultivating local talent, all key to sustaining their sector's growth. We close by celebrating the story of veterans like Colonel Sharath, whose military-honed skills in HR and attention to detail have proven invaluable in the corporate sphere.Filmed on location at APEX 2024.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Discover the collaborative efforts promoting Europe's electronics manufacturing industry as I, Philip Stoten, sit with Xaver Feiner from Zollner and Thomas Michels from Ilfa at APEX 2024. Together we explore the complexities of uniting diverse trade associations and their role in advocating for the supply chain's significance to European governments. This episode offers insights into how these industry champions are influencing policy and fostering European solidarity in a post-pandemic world marked by supply chain vulnerabilities.Thomas and Xaver spotlight the critical nature of printed circuit boards and electronic manufacturing services in the electronic supply chain. Together numerous associations are writing a collective letter to the European Parliament and national leaders proposing concerted actions to secure the industry's growth and resilience. Tune in to this discussion for a look at the collaborative front being presented to safeguard the future of Europe's electronic manufacturing landscape.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

APEX 24 Day Two Wrap - Koh Young Technology's Joel Scutchfield and EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll share their insights on the industry, focussing on market trends, talent, automation and transformative power of collaborative innovation. Multiple discussions at APEX 2024 have provided a collective vision for an industry full of  connectivity, collaboration and synergy. Following numerous EMS@C-Level interviews, we discuss how CEOs are steering their companies toward open partnerships that blur traditional lines, all while leveraging the strengths of diverse solutions to create a more adaptable and efficient manufacturing landscape.We pivot to the human element within the manufacturing industry, uncovering how artificial intelligence has potential to reshape some jobs in manufacturing. The emergence of higher-paying, more engaging and more sustainable jobs could help to attract a new generation into the sector, while automation relieves operators of monotonous tasks. This episode spotlights the need to elevate manufacturing's appeal to fresh talent, emphasizing the role of competitive wages and the value of operating cutting-edge robotics in creating a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.This year companies are focussing on operational efficiency, as the navigate periods of excess capacity with innovative technologies. These strategies are not just survival tactics but catalysts for even greater success and growth in the years to come, allowing businesses to harness technology and automation and stay competitive and agile in anticipation of the next surge. Join us for a  conversation that illustrates the resilience and forward-thinking nature of industry leaders in the face of economic challenges.Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.