Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1460418
30 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 e prolonged pandemic also forced compa- nies to set up remote work. It quickly became apparent that high-speed internet allowed even complex tasks to be completed off-site. Today it is common for managers and tech- nicians at all levels to work remotely. As the pandemic evolves into endemicity, work- ing remotely is widely expected to remain an option for many. In the electronics industry, opportunities for remote work are limited; companies must compete with the appeal and convenience of remote work, making employee reten- tion more challenging than ever. Companies that meet this challenge do so by demonstrat- ing a career path for those who meet expecta- tions; they also invest in continuous training so that employees believe that management is invested in their progress. An employee who e coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on PCB manufacturing and assembly. anks to its classification as an essential busi- ness associated with national security, PCB manufacturing in the U.S. was exempt from shutdowns; it was not, however, immune from supply chain disruption. Raw materials short- ages set the stage for higher prices. Companies that relied on just in time (Kanban) inventory management held back product, further bur- dening the supply chain. Conversely, the pandemic also had a positive impact on manufacturing in the United States. Domestic companies increased their output and new opportunities were created. In addi- tion, the pandemic itself created demands on the electronics industry, particularly in the field of testing, where millions of single-use circuits had to be manufactured locally. How the Pandemic Impacted PCB Manufacturing The Plating Forum Feature Column by George Milad, UYEMURA