Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1172746
OCTOBER 2019 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 9 uct R&D is being driven by emerging appli- cations (e.g., automotive, medical, and the return to space), and new applications are being enabled by leading-edge technologies. Together, these dynamics create an upward spiral and a wider view of how innovation can change our world. This issue launches a multi-month, thought- ful look at our industry across all of our maga- zines. So, let's get started with Chris Beeson's perspective from Digi-Key. Our interview with Chris resulted in a two-part conversation: the first part on changes in the component sup- ply chain, and the second on design tools and parts definitions. Catch Part 2 in the October issue of Design007 Magazine. Next, Dr. Jennie Hwang checks in with her column, "Revisiting Globaliza- tion: Technology, Jobs, Trade." Our next feature is an interview with Eric Dinerstein from the non-profit organi - zation RESOLVE. Eric leads a team develop- ing wireless camera tech- nologies for use in remote, extreme environments to mon- itor and identify illegal poachers of rare and endangered species. With sponsorship and support from companies like Intel, Inmarsat, Sigmatron International, Microsoft, Google, and others, Eric's team will change the landscape of our industry and pro - tect our planet's wildlife. Michael Ford's column "Dromology: Time- space Compression in Manufacturing" moves the Industry 4.0 conversation beyond the inter- change format itself and into its application. Michael also discusses this topic in more detail in my video interview with him from SMTAI 2019, which can be found at www.realtimewith. com. Further, changing landscapes can involve changes in ownership too; Dan Feinberg and Green Circuits' Joe O'Neil address merger and acquisition trends. Then, IPC's Chris Mitchell Nolan Johnson is managing editor of SMT007 Magazine. Nolan brings 30 years of career experience focused almost entirely on electron- ics design and manufacturing. To contact Johnson, click here. addresses how global political turmoil is creat- ing uncertainties for the industry. Next, Ray Prasad discusses today's soldering options, and Eric Camden's column explores the interface between automation and human assessments in "Artificial Reliability Over Intelligence." Then, Electrolube's Phil Kinner explores conformal coating developments to meet new market requirements in "Maximis- ing Performance and Reliability of Automotive Electronics With Conformal Coatings." Finally, Chris Ellis' column, "Faster, Cheaper, Simpler" explores shifts in production locations, ease of manufacturing, intellectual property (IP) protection, etc. As always, I-Connect007 strives to bring you news and in-depth coverage that's good for the indus- try. Our goal is thought- ful, conversation-wor- thy journalism that you will want to share with your cowork- ers. In the coming months, we will bring you individual voices and their perspectives on the industry, and share what you will want to know to succeed in the future. We'll also have in-depth coverage of IPC APEX EXPO 2020 and, along the way, we'll bring you highlights from SMTAI, produc- tronica, the Additive Electronics Conference, designer user groups, such as AltiumLive and the IPC Designer's Council, and more. Feed- back from you, our readers, helps propel the topics and stories we cover. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and even complaints; email us at editorial@iconnect007.com. SMT007