Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/848773
30 The PCB Design Magazine • July 2017 more you have, the better. They look for full trace- ability for everything used in your process, including flux, solder, and any raw materials. If you are not yet AS9100-certified, be prepared to collect trace- ability data for at least 12 months before the actual audit. Shaughnessy: Switching gears now, we've been covering the "graybeard- ing" of the design indus- try for some time. And now we're seeing even more EEs coming into the PCB design world. What do you see for the fu- ture of PCB design in North America? Capers: We are already seeing a lot of ups and downs. EEs are trying their hand at PCB layout with mixed results. Most lack the knowledge of the actual manufacturing and assembly process and produce designs that are problematic, if not impossible to build. PCB design service bureaus seem to be shrinking or are being transformed or merged into small EMS companies. It's dif- ficult and cost-prohibitive to survive as a stand- alone service bureau these days, although some contractors seem to stay pretty busy. PCB layout work is also becoming a commodity as prices are being driven down by overseas designers who work for a few nickels a day. I do see a lot of re- ally good designers working as direct employees for the military contractors, as this seems to be a pretty safe place to work as far as job security and good pay. But the true design gurus of the past are quickly evaporating. Shaughnessy: Is there anything you'd like to add? Capers: Change is inevitable and constant. In the last 15 years, we've seen price erosion across the board as our products and services have be- come a commodity. Even in the military and aerospace sector, buyers tend to just go with the low price, regardless of qualifications, certifica- tions, processes and quality. We spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to ensure our certs are up to date and our facility will support the demands of producing quality products for our soldiers and our country only to be beaten down on price by an unqualified competitor or buyer. However, there are some customers that understand quality and value, and price is nev- er the main issue in their purchasing decisions. Thank goodness! PCBDESIGN TRILOGY CIRCUITS: MIL/AERO DEMANDS TECHNOLOGICAL, REGULATORY EXPERTISE