PCB Chat

PCB Chat 145: David Schild on Congress Priorities

On this episode of PCB Chat, David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America and Mike Buetow discuss the current legislative environment for supporting the PCB industry.

We discuss the organization's latest annual meeting, the changing political environment, competition with China, and potential incentives.

Also covered:

• The expanding ecosystem supporting a federal industry policy
• Potential tax credits for manufacturing boards onshore
• Avoiding single points of failure in the supply chain
• A change in tactics but not goals for garnering federal support for the electronics industry
• Congressional visits to domestic manufacturers
• The pursuit of skilled labor

PCB Chat 144: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends

Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, joins Mike Buetow to discuss the first quarter electronic design automation market results.

The good news: sales of PCB/MCM design software were up 5.5% to $399.8 million for the quarter, the 17th straight period of growth. Strength in Asia-Pacific offset slower results in some other regions.  The four-quarter moving average for PCB and MCM rose 8.9%.

The Americas, the largest reporting region by revenue, procured almost $2.21 billion of electronic system design products and services in Q1 2025, a 14% increase. 

Listen to the podcast for more data and analysis, including thoughts on tariffs.

RM 172: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria

Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perhaps more importantly, how to fix them midstream before they derail your operations.

Joining Mike Konrad is someone who knows this space inside and out—Chintan Sutaria. Sutaria grew up working in an EMS business from a young age, gaining firsthand experience in the unique challenges of our industry. His career path took him into the world of business process consulting at some of the largest Big 5 firms, and he has since worked with numerous EMS companies on a wide range of projects.

Many may recognize Sutaria as the founder and former CEO of CalcuQuote, a well-known supply chain management software company for the EMS industry. Recently, he founded, OpenJar, a consultancy dedicated to helping electronics manufacturers navigate complex business challenges—including ERP implementations.

We’ll discuss his new company as well as his recent blog post, "Why Your ERP Implementation Failed (and How to Fix It Midstream)", explore common pitfalls, and uncover strategies to steer your ERP project back on course.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Common Failures in ERP Implementations and How to Fix Them

00:02:20 Transitioning from Calcot to Open Jar 

00:04:07 Embracing Innovative Ideas with Open Jar Philosophy

00:07:47 Why Your ERP Implementation Failed and How to Fix It

00:08:06 The Challenges of SAP and ERP Implementations

00:10:00 The Importance of Second Opinions in ERP Implementations

00:12:05 Common Misconceptions in ERP Implementation 

00:13:57 Navigating the Learning Curve in New Systems

00:15:53 Key Criteria for Successful Project Implementation

00:17:42 Identifying Unique Strengths in EMS Companies 

00:19:39 Challenges in Change Management for EMS Software

00:21:47 Early Warning Signs of a Failing ERP System

00:23:34 Navigating ERP Implementation Challenges

00:25:40 Keeping Cool Under Pressure: A Guide to Effective Problem Solving

00:27:32 Importance of ERP Functionality Prioritization 

00:29:33 Navigating ERP Implementation Changes 

00:31:56 Balancing Efficiency with Employee Discomfort in ERP Systems

00:33:22 Importance of Structured Approach in Consulting 

00:35:29 Challenges in Software Implementation 

00:37:40 The Challenges of Implementing Systems in Small Businesses

00:39:47 Challenges of Scaling a Business with Automation

00:41:55 Essential Strategies for Successful ERP Implementation 

00:43:55 Insights with Serial Entrepreneur Chintan Sataria

00:45:56 Podcast Updates and Listener Engagement

 

Cofactr on Supply Chain Execution

Cofactr is a supply chain execution platform that includes source-to-pay and 3PL solutions for electronics hardware developers.

Live from the show floor at PCB East in May, cofounder Phil Gulley and VP of marketing Libby Melton join Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to discuss the company's procurement process tools and software integrations.

 

 

RM 171: Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization

Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick-and-place technology.

Joining Mike Konrad is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space — starting as a mechanical engineer and now leading one of the top pick and place equipment providers — Kang brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build reliable assemblies.

In this episode, we’re covering best practices for selecting the most appropriate pick and place machine, how to get the most out of your equipment, and the common mistakes that can compromise productivity and long-term reliability.

RM 169: On the Road - Soldering

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, Mike Konrad left his usual studio for the IPC Apex Expo trade show.

He interviews two subject matter experts on topics related to electronics assembly.

The guests are:

• Gerald Gardner, global product manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand soldering equipment fume extraction systems, and precision tools.
• Mike Young – CEO OF SASinno Americas, a manufacturer of wave and selective soldering equipment.

RM 168: On the Road - Electronics Assembly

Mike Konrad interviews three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronics assembly.

The guests are:

• • Greg Beck, director of sales at Absolute EMS, a contract manufacturer.
  • Brian Watson, cofounder of HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quickturn semiconductor modification solutions.
  • Keith Sweatman, technical advisor at Nihon Superior, a manufacturer of soldering materials

 

Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation on Board Optimization

Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation joins Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to talk about how the EDA vendor's helps printed circuit board designers optimize their designs.

Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025.

PCB Chat 143: Frank Mullaney and Emma Hudson of iNEMI

For early 30 years, the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI), has been the go-to consortium for many leading OEMs companies and their suppliers to identify and develop next-generation technology, and then help deploy it for high-volume manufacturing.

Frank Mullaney, director of roadmapping, and Emma Hudson, new project manager, discuss some of the consortium’s ongoing projects, including new content on PCB test methods, solders, and laminates.

Mullaney has a Ph.D. in electronic engineering from University College Dublin, and spent 20 years in managerial and technical roles for Bell Labs, where he worked on a range of wireless and networking technologies, and established Bell Labs’ Internet of Things research program. He is also cochair of the Complex Integrated Systems section of the INEMI Roadmap.

Hudson previously was distinguished member of technical staff at from Underwriter’s Labs, and has a bachelor’s in materials engineering from Coventry University, and worked in the automotive electronics sector in three continents. 

Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk on an AI Solution for PCB Manufacturing

Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk join Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to share work on a Department of Energy program that pair scientists with real-world industry problems.

In particular, Britton and Matsiuk are focused on developing an AI solution for the PCB manufacturing industry. Among the topics discussed are roadblocks US companies face to develop a smart factory in which AI systems communicate with equipment, and how the public solution could involve an open AI model partnership.

Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025.