Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1486199
22 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2022 at the end of the day, industry's expectation is that we provide them with the standards require- ments that are accepted by that same industry, so that they can build for their customers. Johnson: Let's walk through some of the committee work you just highlighted, such as magnifica- tion. Rowe: We've had a standard for a very long time. It's very old; IPC-OI-645, which is ref- erenced in one of our very popular docu- ments. We realized that it needs to be updated. e standards group has taken an action item to start looking at the older standards in our library and to either reaffirm, revise, or with- draw them and make them obsolete. Because of the conversation with that group, they real- ized they also needed a guidance document that helped industry to use magnification. ings are getting smaller, and people can't see them, so there's a whole new effort with that. In addition, factory of the future has two new magnification projects for AOI and AOX and we're planning to bring those on board. Johnson: at's a nice segue to the factory of the future. What's happening there this year? Rowe: We're just getting our committees formed, and sometimes the most difficult part is to get a project off the ground. We're looking for anyone who might be interested in working on these projects, those who want to dedicate their time to help themselves, their company, and industry to reach consensus on what's needed. Johnson: What's the best way to get involved in a committee? Rowe: Please click here for more information and to make a request. All requests are reviewed by technical standards staff. Volunteers are added to the groups, the staff liaisons will set up meetings, and you'll get access to IPC Works. Our communication tool for our standards development projects is through IPC Works. is platform provides an opportunity for networking and building industry relationships. It all starts with coming to IPC's website, where you can sign up and ask to join a committee. Johnson: e idea of joining a committee and getting involved in standards work might seem just a little bit daunting or scary to some. What can they expect their experience to be like? Rowe: I was one of those people a long time ago, so just give it a try. ink of when you tried something new, like jumping into a swimming pool. Were you a little scared? Absolutely. Stan- dards development might not be for everyone, but at the same time, you might find you love the chase. Not only do you join technical peo- ple talking about technical stuff, but you learn things you can take back to your job. When you're new to a committee, the best thing is to come into the room, walk up to a leader and say, "Hi, can you introduce me to someone I can sit by so I can learn the ropes?" e longtime task group members really enjoy taking new members under their wings and helping them navigate. ey'll explain what voting means, the rules for discussion, and so forth. So, just come up and say "hello." Ask a question or two. Everyone is new the first time; the second time you'll be a pro. Johnson: What can IPC members expect in upcoming releases of standards? Rowe: We have several standards scheduled to release in 2023. Most notably, we have IPC- A-600 and IPC/7711/21 on the list, as well as Teresa Rowe