FEBRUARY 2020 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 49
create their independent files and "languages"
for conveying PCB data, and the inevitable
consequence is that every PCB article requires
a tooling procedure (non-repeating expense).
This allows all the actors involved in the pro-
curement and manufacturing of an article to
agree on how to construct the PCB and how
the data should be interpreted. This is the ma-
jor challenge in regard to digitalizing the PCB
industry, and this further reduces the possi-
bility of optimizing and integrating automatic
supply chain management.
Reduction in Errors, Handling Time,
and Quality Issues: A Dream?
If there was a global standard for data han-
dling the consequence for all the actors in the
industry, there would be a reduction in errors
and quality issues, reduced handling time, and
increased transparency. One would easily be
able to verify that what one has specified and
ordered was what the manufacturer has pro-
duced and delivered. Correct quoting in regard
to price would also be a consequence as all
actors would have interpreted the data in the
same way. Further positive elements of the
digitalization of the PCB industry would be el-
ements such as verifying environmental stan-
dards, sharing data from audits to ensure that
there is no child labor in certain countries, and
detecting quality issues automatically, based
on data mining.
There are simultaneously global elements
and megatrends, which are starting to affect
the data handling and digitalization of PCBs
on certain levels. In this respect, I am spe-
cifically referring to compliance and cyberse-
curity. Compliance in regard to proving and
documenting what has happened, who has ac-
cessed the data, where the data is, and if all in-
ternational laws and regulations are followed.
Data Protection: Is Someone Stealing
Your Gold?
At Elmatica, we see an ever-increasing de-
mand for compliance combined with total
transparency, and those who are able to de-
liver this product will have a strategic advan-
tage. Cybersecurity is practically walking arm
in arm with compliance, as it is the essential
cornerstone for providing compliance in any
industry, whether it is medical, telecommuni-
cation, or defense. The questions are simple:
Is your data protected? Who has access to your
data? And is somebody stealing your intellec-
tual property rights?
Some tend to limit automation and digitali-
zation to robots doing the labor humans used
to perform; however, it's so much more. The
digital era brings endless opportunities when
it comes to manufacturing and purchasing
processes. Moving from manual systems and
handling to automation all over the PCB pro-
duction and purchasing chain will affect the
business and how we plan, design, purchase,
produce, and ship.
Compliance Is King
Digitalization will improve the industry in
several fields, and make it harder if not impos-
sible for unprofessional actors who believe in a
production strategy not based on documenting
everything they do for their customers. Last
year, I had the pleasure of attending several
courses and seminars in Europe, Florida, Las
Vegas, and Washington regarding compliance
and cybersecurity. All I can say as the oldest
and a trusted broker to all industries, compli-
ance is tightening, and cybersecurity is king.
PCB007
References
1. D. Dörner and D. Edelman, "What 'Digital' Really
Means," McKinsey & Company, July 2015.
2. A. Annacone, "The 4 Types of Digital Transformation,"
June 19, 2019.
3. Business Wire, "Global Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Market Report 2018: Trends, Forecast, and Competitive
Analysis 2012–2017 & 2018–2023—ResearchAndMarkets.
com," November 12, 2018.
Didrik Bech is the CEO of Elmatica.
To read past columns or contact
The PCB Norsemen, click here.
