Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1367446
40 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2021 will meet and get to know people from across the globe who all share a common interest in building electronics better. Any IPC staff liai- sons will attest to how satisfying it is to go from a first meeting of a standards group, where almost everyone is a stranger, to looking back on that meeting years later to see how strongly connected all those people are. How to Get Involved Because IPC has an established network of standards task groups and a set, consistent process for how all our groups work, getting involved in IPC standards activities is very easy. If you know the group or standard that inter- ests you, email answers@ipc.org and ask to be added to the effort. You can also view the IPC Status of Standardization to see the list of stan- dards currently underway, many of which may be new projects you may not be aware of. If you have an idea for a new standard, IPC also wants to hear from you. Because IPC has a set process for standards development, beginning a new group—even if you have no standards development experience—is very easy. Just like with the existing groups, email answers@ipc.org with your interest. Initiating New Standards Activities Here are a couple recent examples of how new standards activities were initiated within IPC. At IPC APEX EXPO 2017, IPC hosted a meeting of e-textiles professionals with inter- est in forming a committee to develop indus- try standards. From that one meeting, the committee has grown to more than 200 peo- ple from around the world; it approved its first standard in late 2019, and has six more stan- dards underway. In the fall of 2019, IPC staff was approached with a need for a digital twin standard for the electronics manufacturing industry. From that one idea, IPC formed a task group that was able to develop and approve the first interna- tional standard for digital twin in less than one year. ese are just two of too many instances to mention, and IPC is looking for other new standards successes to add to the list. So, if you have an idea for a standard, IPC wants to hear from you. Using our network and yours, IPC can quickly set up a new task group and get to work. Whether an existing or new project, once you have been added to one of our working groups, engaging in the process is very easy. We are oen asked by new participants if they need any training to get involved. Although IPC provides resources and helpful guides for new committee participants, IPC standards development is a learn-as-you-go activity. It's been that way for decades. By attending a few meetings or commenting on dra documents when they are circulated, you will quickly become engaged in the process. Don't forget, you have staff liaisons who are there to help guide you and the rest of the task group to ensure your goals are met. If you don't have the time to devote to a task group, you can also get involved simply by sub- mitting comments on standards—including published standards. If you have a comment on a standard, visit the IPC Status of Standardiza- tion web page, which includes an open com- ment form. All comments will be sent to the working group for deliberation. Ways It Makes a Difference Whether you join a subcommittee or task group to work on a widely used standard used by thousands of companies worldwide or which forms the basis for IPC certification and If you have an idea for a new standard, IPC wants to hear from you.