Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/960726
SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE 2018 I I-CONNECT007 53 adopted the same methods of IBM and other global companies into both Japan Unix for domestic and global markets. Furthermore, we contracted with IPC in 2015/16 and I've been dedicating my efforts to building IPC adoption by Japanese manufacturers with the methods that I acquired from the previous customers and employers. Goldman: How and when did you first get involved with IPC committees? Kono: I've been involved with IPC commit- tees since 2015/16. As I mentioned, I'm not a tech person but more on the marketing side. Therefore, my motivation in a committee is to understand the process, passion, discus - sions and values delivered by all committee members. As we represent the IPC organiza- tion in Japan, we must deliver what is hap- pening in the global electronics industry, the values of IPC standards, and the reasons to believe in global standards to Japanese cus- tomers. And I've been seeing that IPC com- mittees have openness, fairness, and scientific methods with actual data, which are used to decide criteria in standards. I believe that our role is to make IPC open and clear as a global organization and to tell the truth around the global industry. I vividly remember at an A610 committee meeting, when one attendee gave a proposal to use X-ray or AOI inspection system. However, Teressa Rowe responded that IPC standards are not only for large enterprises but also for all global SMEs. From standard and global orga- nization points of view, we cannot force these companies to install such expensive systems. This expresses the attitude of the organization with fairness and openness. It shows a very honest and organizational belief that the stan- dard is for the entire global industry, not just for large enterprises. The Japanese markets have a huge disad- vantage regarding language. People just don't know who or what IPC is and why global com- panies use IPC standards instead of their own company standards. If our people understand them, they are more confident and happier to use IPC standards instead of domestic or their own standards if they wish to do business in global markets. Goldman: What committees and/or subcom- mittees are you involved with at IPC? Kono: I've been involved in the A610, J-STD001, the A610 Automotive addendums. I'm also interested in the space and medical adden- dums. Goldman: What contributions do you feel you have made? Kono: Well, I'm not a tech person, so I can- not judge or propose standard criteria or any technical discussion. But I can tell a true story, translate it into my own language with the goal of enriching IPC brand values and spreading it into entire market here in Japan. Also, the Japanese market is an absolutely blue ocean with lots of opportunities for IPC as one of the major electronics countries in Asia. Since 2015/16, we were not able to find or receive information on any news in Japanese relevant to IPC standards and organization. But we now mediate the action, news, and values of IPC to our customers. Now people and companies can find the latest information in their own lan- guage. So we adopted a brand-new approach to the market. Since this is a new market for IPC, we could try many new things. As the result of one or two years, we could achieve over double sales every year and the increase the number of new membership acquisition. This would be a contribution which we made. Goldman: Have any documents been published that you were involved with? Kono: We've translated and updated five stan- dards: J-STD 001, A610, A600, A620, and IPC- 7711/21. Also, we established a training center for A610 and 001. Goldman: What advice would you give to oth- ers regarding involvement with standard/spec- ification development at IPC?