Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1535183
Turner: In some of our product development, we do simulation studies. I spoke about the ther- mal interface materials (TIMs) line. That's where we use simula- tion studies to support the devel- opment process. So, we use AI to simplify what needs to be accom- plished practically. We are engag- ing in more simulation studies to streamline our process and con- tribute toward making smart deci- sions. AI is incredibly useful. We still see differences between val- ues from simulations and the values we get in the real world because there are things we can't quite plug in. But AI helps to speed up our time to market. But that is real-world data as it feeds back. Turner: Yes, we learn and con- tinue to learn. We certainly see it completely transforming mar- kets and spaces. What has been the reception to these new, higher reliabil- ity products? What does the approval process look like? Rehman: The approval cycle for automotive parts typically goes through multiple approval steps, starting with Tier 1 and then to the OEM. But it's a two-way street where we see the Tier 1s and OEMs collaborating with us on those approvals. When you look across the com- petitive landscape, what are others in this space doing to compete with you? How are you staying ahead of the curve? Turner: One approach is to lever- age our ability to work across dif- ferent MacDermid Alpha brands, allowing us to offer comprehen- sive solutions. Specifically, when it comes to our TIMs, we're con- tinuously striving for higher ther- mal conductivities. As we dis- cussed with the conformal coat- ings, there's a lot of buzz around edge definition, and I believe we've been ahead of the curve on that front for several years now. Cross-communication is obviously a key competitive advantage. Turner: Yes, and it comes in many forms, even capability. Our access to equipment is incred- ible. We've got these different groups doing completely dif- ferent things and our access to information or tangible assets is incredibly easy. That gives us a dramatic advantage over many of our competitors. Rehman: Our competitors make good products. MacDermid Alpha stands out because we are the only company that is vertically integrated in terms of assembly materials. We provide solutions to every potential challenge our cus- tomers can face on their assem- bly. Our broad product offering overarches the entire electronics assembly supply chain. I believe that gives us an edge over our competitors because we bring the whole suite of expertise to the cus- tomer and it's an integrated solu- tions approach. If you need help with finishes, we are here. Do you need help with trenching, con- formal coating, or high-reliabil- ity alloy? We can help. MacDermid Alpha is the only company right now that has such a broad offering of products. Yes, we want to sell them, but more importantly, we aim to partner with our custom- ers and support them in ensuring long-term board-level reliability. We're talking about multiple tech- nologies coming into contact here, which gives us an edge in a com- petitive market. This was a great conversation. I enjoyed this a lot. Rehman and Turner: Thank you, Barry. It was good talking with you.