58 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2019
is the key to the future. The implementation
of AI also permits more customization, mini-
mizing the downtime for retooling, the need
to restart or re-program the machines for new
operations, which results in continuous opera-
tion and enhanced flexibility.
2. Improved Quality and Change of Focus
Production needs to be monitored thorough-
ly and take an equal amount of time, resourc-
es, and production capacity. With automation,
the basic manufacturing processes can be per-
formed quicker and more precisely, freeing up
time, resources, and production capacity to fo-
cus on the complexities. Then human knowl-
edge can be spent more wisely on innovation,
improved quality, and developing new tech-
nologies.
3. Increased Possibilities for Optimization
As technology develops and the possibilities
for more tailoring the customer's demands in-
creases, the need for more optimization and
flexibility in production arises. Automation al-
lows manufacturers to be more flexible in pro-
duction, and mart robots make the assembly
line more efficient, which opens the possibility
for tailored mass production due to customer
specifications.
4. Product Innovation
The goal of smart factories and automation
is not only improved productivity and lower
costs during production but also a smarter and
more flexible production. The focus is on bet-
ter products, improved quality, and a supply
chain that is agile and can handle the complex-
ity that the products of the future will demand.
What can we say about the future? Predict-
ing the future is not easy, but we can definitely
say it will be an exciting ride!
PCB007
References
1. F. Boisset. May 9, 2018. "The History of Industrial Auto-
mation in Manufacturing," KINGSTAR.
2. Deloitte University Press. 2017. "The Smart Factory:
Responsive, Adaptive, Connected Manufacturing—A De-
loitte Series on Industry 4.0, Digital Manufacturing Enter-
prises, and Digital Supply Networks."
3. XACT PCB. "Smart Factory Solutions for the PCB In-
dustry."
4. MarketResearch.com. April 2017. "Smart Factory Mar-
ket by Technology (DCS, PLC, MES, ERP, SDADA, PAM, HMI,
PLM), Component (Sensors, Industrial Robots, Machine Vi-
sion Systems, Industrial 3D Printing), End-user Industry,
and Region: Global Forecast to 2022."
To read past columns or contact The PCB Norsemen,
click here.
In an interview with I-Connect007, Isola Executive Vice Chair-
man and Acting CEO Travis Kelly discusses the recent mile-
stones for the company, including the leadership transition.
Kelly outlines his agenda for the upcoming year, gives an update
on Isola's new facility in Chandler, Arizona, as well as the culture
in the company and how to carry it forward
Kelly also talks about the Asian market, their strategies in the
region, and the opportunities and trends he is seeing this year.
To read the full interview, click here.
Isola Executive Vice Chairman
and Acting CEO Travis Kelly
on the Upcoming Year
