Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1520492
REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2024 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 33 Michael was at the forefront of the discus- sion around Industry 4.0, CFX (Connected Factory Exchange), was co-chair of IPC 212-D Task Force, and penned a monthly column for I-Connect007 titled "Smart Fac- tory Insights." He was previously honored with both IPC's Dieter Bergman Fellowship and President's awards. Accepting the Hall of Fame award on his behalf at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 was Jason Spera, CEO of Aegis, who remembered Michael with great affection and respect. "Michael was always envisioning what was needed to achieve an improved manufactur- ing future before others could see it. What new system, standard, or concept could help move things forward for the better? Michael could move those ideas to the forefront and was always seeking the views and ideas of others in the process. He had a singular gift in helping everyone he encountered see the future with him in his articulate and compelling way that brought everyone into the process, whether an individual or a full conference hall." In 2021, when Michael received the Dieter Bergman Award, he was asked in an inter- view by Patty Goldman how his leadership had helped people and companies to work together rather than being at odds. He replied: "I am interested in getting into the differ- ent aspects of things that ultimately work together. People sometimes need to be guided by examples to see how that works. The cross-functionality of IPC standards is a great example. As part of the CFX work, I started to work with the IPC-2581 com- mittee on the design data side. With trace- ability, we started to develop into the area of IPC-1782, secure supply chain, with people who see the synergy in what we are doing. Then there's the IPC-2551 digital twin, where