Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538100
50 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 A RT I C L E by T h i a g o G u i m a ra es , G l o b a l E l e ct ro n i c s As s o c i a t i o n What EMS Firms Want From Their Software— and What They Get L ast November, the Global Electronics Association [as IPC] surveyed EMS and OEM companies to better understand the software tools driving their operations and uncover trends in adoption, satisfaction, and challenges. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% ERP MES PLM QMS LM S Quoti ng CRM Software Owned by EMS and OEM Companies, by Time of Ownership Under 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5-10 Years Over 10 Years Software Owned by EMS and OEM Companies, by Time S of t wa re Ow n e d by E M S a n d O E M C o m p a n i e s F i g u re 1 : Le g a cy syste m s d o m i n ate key s of t wa re c ate g o r i e s : Ove r h a l f of E R P, Q M S , a n d M ES syste m s h ave b e e n i n p l a c e fo r m o re t h a n 1 0 ye a rs , h i g h l i g ht i n g t h e i n d u st r y 's re l i a n c e o n l o n g - st a n d i n g p l at fo r m s . I n c o nt ra st , C R M , q u ot i n g , a n d L M S to o l s h ave s h ow n m o re re c e nt a d o pt i o n , w i t h h i g h e r s h a re s i n t h e o n e to f i ve -ye a r ra n g e. ( S o u rc e : T i m e of O w n e rs h i p) ▼ The survey assessed software tools across critical functions, including ERP, MES, PLM, QMS, LMS, quoting systems, and CRM. Participants shared insights on tool adoption, satisfaction, and selection priorities. A total of 82 qualified individuals completed the survey. Respon- dents spanned EMS and OEM organizations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East/Africa, with company revenues ranging from under $5 million to over $1 billion.