IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1545855
52 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2026 Driven by integrated circuits and software, elec- tronic devices are increasingly complex in density, size, and layer count. How do you compete in this arena? You automate. But automation is complicated and expensive, so how do you handle this challenge? The Nature of the Problem One way is to find out how others are meeting this challenge. I read an interesting article1 by Jim Zahora, CEO of The Abilities Connection (TAC), a Springfield, Ohio-based manufacturer and long- time supplier of cargo nets to the U.S. Air Force. His company needed to be more cost-competitive to secure future orders from the Air Force. But he faced these obstacles: • TAC had diversified its workforce to include people with disabilities (to gain a larger pop- ulation of workers), and training was increas- ing costs and slowing the implementation of newer technologies • Attempts to reshore TAC's materials and equipment suppliers from Asia were not happening, and tariffs were not inducing the Asians to move manufacturing here TAC tried a different tack: Invest in automation, diversification, and vertical integration. Today, 100% of TAC's product is manufactured in the U.S.: lead times are shorter, throughput has increased, and the workforce is performing more complex tasks with machine help. The Working Solution Your approach to automation doesn't always need to mean buying expensive equipment; you can work with the resources you already have. You have experts on PCBs and their materials, processes, and tooling. In maintenance, you have experts on your equipment and how to keep it running. So, the first task is to identify individuals who want to learn about automation planning and can implement automation solutions, and then start planning the implementation of digitization and automation. If you want it done, you have to do it yourself. For the rest of the year, my columns will discuss various techniques, devices, solutions, and equip- ment that you can fabricate (even locally) to solve your automation and other needs. The Initial Steps If you have decided that your company needs this strategy to survive, the first task is to create a team dedicated to accomplishing these goals. Though I believe recruiting a new college engineering grad- uate is an important part of developing your team, training a new graduate could cost up to $20,000. You already have employees who have been trained and established, especially in CAM-tooling and maintenance. These are ideal candidates who can be upskilled for your task. They have the hands-on skills, combined with grit and curiosity, giving them an advantage over an engineer with credentials. Once the team is established, look for partners, resources, and further education opportunities. Resources are machine shops and mechanical fabricators that can build the devices that we will talk about in the next few columns. Partner with community colleges or technical high schools that H A P PY'S T EC H TA L K # 49 " Your approach to automation doesn't always need to mean buying expensive equipment; you can work with the resources you already have."