IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1547121
28 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2026 ARTICLE role of PCB suppliers is changing. For years, suppliers have differentiated them- selves primarily around price, quality, technology, and delivery. Those things remain essential, but in an unpredictable market, simply quoting and deliv- ering boards isn't enough. A strong supply chain partner helps customers make better decisions before disruption reaches their production schedules by anticipating risk rather than simply reporting it. They create sourcing options before they're needed, identify engineering Information about what's happening in the PCB supply chain is abundant. Customers know materials are constrained and that lead times can change quickly. They know tariffs, geopolitical uncer- tainty, shifting manufacturing capacity, and growing demand from emerging technologies are creating pressure throughout the electronics supply chain. Another market update won't solve their problem. What customers need is someone who can tell them what it all means for their program, and what they should do about it. I believe that's where the The Supplier's Job Has Changed: Turning PCB Supply Chain Uncertainty into Action BY DA N T H AU, M I L L E N N I U M C I RC U I TS L I M I T E D