Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/960594
70 SMT007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2018 Each manual profiler, optimization software program, automatic profiler, central database model and data analytics offer significant indi- vidual value. But when they are combined, the value grows exponentially. A truly competi- tive operation can be built only when data is shared with other machines or the MES system. Productivity increases, cost decreases and consistent quality results. But interde- pendence and added value do not stop there. While engineers and technical managers are responsible for running a world-class factory, the salesforce and corporate executives are focused on promoting a competitive factory attractive to new (and current) clients. They are thinking about their factory's "unique- ness" and competitive advantages that can give them an edge in winning that next multi- million euro order. On top of a cost-effective operation, promoting capabilities that clients value such as process control, process trans- parency and process traceability down to indi- vidual PCBs, can mean the difference between winning or losing an order. Electronic manufacturing is a capital-inten- sive business. A key part of engineering, management and purchasing's responsibilities is to acquire the right machines and software for their factories. There is significant money at stake, and there is pressure on factory performance in an intensely competitive low- margin industry. Reviewing each individual machine or software in isolation may lead to sub-optimization in an interdependent and interconnected environment. An ecosystem is more than the sum of each product's capabil- ities and benefits. Together they create expo- nential value that far surpasses the individual machine or process, it affects the entire factory and even deep into the non-technical aspects of a running a successful business. SMT007 Freddie Chan is the vice president of KIC. I-Connect007 is proud to announce the release of our first edition issue of Show & Tell, the magazine dedicated to cover- ing the events of IPC APEX EXPO 2018 in San Diego, California. Show & Tell is packed with complete coverage of IPC APEX EXPO 2018. Inside you will find great show photos, Real Time with…IPC APEX EXPO 2018 video highlights, and other featured content, including: exclusive interviews with the IPC Hall of Fame Inductee and other IPC Award Winners, results of the I-Connect007 Student Photo Contest, insights from our Q&A with attendees and industry professionals, and expert opinions from our columnists. Click here to preview Show & Tell and download your free copy. New Show & Tell Magazine: Complete Coverage of IPC APEX EXPO