Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1398328
AUGUST 2021 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 9 tal twin so that the appropriate players will be motivated to realize the vision? At present we can't even seem to move beyond Gerber files to more complete and secure file formats, let alone build out a cross-platform digital schema. ere's money in the market; semiconductor proves that point. Somehow, somewhere, that same level of attention and investment needs to find the printed circuit industry as well. is conundrum encompasses much more ground than we can cover in just one issue. is month, therefore, we're focusing on the com- munication between designers and the EMS providers. Our goal is to help define the com- munication gaps and needs between EMS and designers, and highlight the tools, procedures, and thought processes that help to fill that gap. If, at the end of this issue, we've given you food for thought—and a practical idea or two—then we've achieved our goal. If you have comments on our coverage, or suggestions for what we should be covering, we'd like to hear from you at editorial@icon- nect007.com. SMT007 References 1. Electronic System Design Industry Reports 17% Revenue Growth in Q1 2021, July 16, I-Connect007. Nolan Johnson is managing editor of SMT007 Magazine. Nolan brings 30 years of career experience focused almost entirely on electronics design and manufacturing. To contact Johnson, click here. work resources necessary to realize the vision of full mechatronic system design just weren't available then, but we were working on it. Per- sonally, I'm fascinated to watch the progress toward true system design currently under- way; the engineering digital twin seems to be taking shape within the CAD tool frameworks. Trouble is, those same soware companies are looking right past the manufacturing digi- tal twin, which is equally as important and just as strongly influenced by the design itself. If the CAD tools took an even more active leadership role in developing the digital twin for manufac- turing, the savings and efficiencies throughout the industry could result in millions (billions?) of U.S. dollars saved. One can find manufactur- ing digital twins in use in other industries, and oen built as a proprietary system. Nobody's blaming the EDA companies, of course. It's just business: the electrical engi- neers on the design teams buy the tools; it's the OEMs who fund the development of that soware. e manufacturers don't. In other words, the design teams are the primary cus- tomer; manufacturers are merely interested stakeholders. is means that, until design teams start to push for tools that make their communications with manufacturing easier, clearer, and more efficient, not much is going to change. e soware companies need to be shown that there's revenue in funding the development of an industry standard manufac- turing digital twin. at's the question, isn't it? How does the industry monetize the manufacturing digi-