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94 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2024 Not to diminish the work of engineers from the past, but today's PCB design engineers have much more technology to learn about than engi- neers of the past. To make matters worse, technological advancements are moving faster than ever, which puts more strain on design engineers to stay updated. Additionally, PCB designers have more options than ever. In this landscape of new and complex challenges, nurturing a solid and enduring relationship with PCB design engineers becomes increasingly important and substantial. Amidst the turbulence of international trade wars, pandemic-induced supply chain disrup- tions, and the escalating demands for rapid deliv- ery cycles, businesses are increasingly look- ing to relocate manufacturing and production operations to countries geographically closer to their core consumer markets. Nearshor- ing's potential promise is not only to mitigate the vulnerabilities of extended supply lines but also to offer agility in responding to consumer needs, fostering a more adaptable and resil- ient business model. My first semester of college included a course on engineering fundamen- tals that focused on teamwork, problem-solving, ethics, and, of course, coding. I had no experience in coding. In fact, downloading the program to my laptop alone almost required visiting the IT department. This class was my second course on my first day of school. Shortly after the introductory speeches, we were asked to write a "simple" code that output the phrase, "Hello World." The Designer and Manufacturer Must Be in Sync It's no industry secret that most PCB data packages sent to fabricators from designers cannot be built as-is. Often, the finished boards seem to work okay despite a factory estimating what the designer wanted vs. what the documentation showed, then jointly rectifying issues through lengthy technical query (TQ) cycles. In general, everyone seems to be satisfied with this process, so why do we need to improve the designer/manufacturer relationship? Why is the best solution a strong designer/manufacturer relationship, and is it even possible? Nearshoring: Mexico Making Pivotal Move in Supply Chain Dynamics Fostering Loyal Relationships with Design Engineers The New Chapter: Easing the Learning Curve for Young Professionals TOP TEN EDITOR'S PICKS