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50 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2026 H A P PY'S T EC H TA L K # 49 BY H A P PY H O L D E N , I - C O N N ECT 0 07 STOP! Do You Have a Digital Strategy for the Future? DISCOVER DESIGN DELIVER Proof of Value Scale • Lesson Learned • Templates • COE Center of Excellence • Review Findings • Technical Deployment • Training • Achieve ROI Smart Automation Assessment Technical Workshop(s) • Assemble Team • Benchmark Plant • Assessment of Digital Maturity People/Process/ Technology • Discuss Use Case Requirements and ROI • Look for Examples • Baseline Review of Current Systems, Processes, Technologies • Confirm Critical Workplaces and Data Collection Strategy • Document Business Case (ROI) People Process Technology • GAP Analysis Identify the ideal end state but focus on those areas which will achieve a return on investment Hardware Software Services • Statement of Work Assemble technical proposal, highlighting required components, such as infrastructure, sensors, software and services I am sure you have been wondering how you will survive this new age of AI, tariffs, China, and the ever-increasing cost of materials and PCB equipment. You cannot just sit back and watch it roll over you. If you wish for your company to sur- vive, you need a "digitization strategy," and that in- cludes a way to afford it. After working in the industry for 50 years, I believe profits will not magically expand to a level that can be maintained for much longer. You need a strategy that will enable you to compete in this industry and expand your capabilities to attract new customers. Some of the challenges you face: • Scarcity of suitable new employees with skills • Maximum first-pass yields on ever-increasing complex multilayers • Difficulty getting technical support for com- plex problems • Providing short lead times and DFM knowl- edge to customers • Increasing material, labor, utilities, and operat- ing costs • Fending off the growing presence of large Asian PCB fab competition Figure 1: Automation Strategy: Think big, start small, prove value, scale fast.