Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1514628
26 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2024 for reliable delivery. In scenarios where time- to-market is limited, even minor setbacks can trigger significant problems. To mitigate such issues, PCB design engi- neers typically choose a factory that already knows their product and, therefore, can deliver the finished product on time and accurately to the specification. To consistently do this, the whole factory must work as a team. While one late or inaccurate PCB may not seem like much, it can halt the overall product delivery. From our experience, engineers prefer not to work with companies that frequently hold up their projects. Many PCB design engi- neers we meet are interested in improving PCB design, as well as price and delivery time. Including additional person- nel from various departments at the board fabricator can dem- onstrate the depth of expertise within your company. Bringing this expertise to the customer's product development cycle can not only improve reliability and manufacturability but it devel- ops mutual trust in the work- ing relationship. By taking on this multifaceted or cross-func- tional approach, you can bet- ter provide the customer with more comprehensive support and value. Building Trust In addition to reliable produc- tion and delivery, PCB design engineers want consistent prod- ucts. When we were new in this industry, we paid little atten- tion to the seemingly insignif- icant aesthetics of a batch of boards. We thought that since most PCBs are enclosed, no one would see them; we couldn't have been more mistaken. With extensive experience gained in assisting PCB design- ers with design troubleshooting, the value of producing consistent products has become very clear. Failures are inevitable in this line of work; when designers troubleshoot, they engage in a process of elimination. If the PCBs are not consistent, it complicates the trouble- shooting process. Producing consistent circuit boards ensures our customers have a reliable partner in their professional journeys, and fur- ther builds trust between customer and sup- plier.