I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing.

Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing. It highlights what might happen if we do not succeed in creating a more secure and balanced electronics supply chain in the U.S.

SMT007 Magazine was published on Monday, moving its around-the-world focus this time to North America and the myriad issues that characterize this region. Finally, guest interviewer and Design007 columnist Kelly Dack interviewed industry icon Doug Pauls about reliability and the personal stakes Doug has to make sure we get it right.

Perhaps it is just because the winter weather seems to be shifting toward more sunshine, and for many of us, summer offers some relative “downtime” in an industry that never sleeps, but whatever it is, “Bring it on!”

Roundtable: Data Protection Lays the Groundwork for Cybersecurity Strategies
Published May 6

“The most important asset to a manufacturer is the data. Leadership must protect the data from attack.” That’s the opener for this excellent roundtable, featuring experts Hiroyuki Watanabe of NEC, Divyash Patel, CEO of MX2 Technologies, and Uday Ali Pabrai, CEO at EC First. Moderator Nolan Johnson covers topics from the need for companies to first establish credibility in knowing where their data and operations may be vulnerable to the importance of CMMC, which serves to ensure that the organizations with whom you are working are at least as secure as you are.

A Necessary Shift from Gerber to IPC-2581
Published May 7

On the heels of the roundtable discussion, please read Tracy Riggan's interview with two key contributors and advocates of IPC-2581. The secure transfer of data between companies and parts of the manufacturing ecosystem is under scrutiny, and for many good reasons. Has Gerber data as a standard done its time? When it comes to a broader standard for modern and secure data transmission, IPC-2581 might just be it. Many companies have already adopted it, so find out what to expect next. 

Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on North America
Published May 5

The May 2026 issue of SMT007 Magazine continues its series on important geographic regions for our industry, focusing on North America. Managing Editor Nolan Johnson talks about the quest to “retool America” and being “industriously lazy,” all to ultimately productive ends. North America, and specifically the U.S., has always been an important force within electronics, whether from the manufacturing, OEMs, or simply from a global economic viewpoint. The current presidential administration has made that truth for an even larger global impact, and at least it’s never boring.

PCBAA, AAM Take on the Fight to Rebuild U.S. Manufacturing in New Documentary
Published May 5

Between the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and the ongoing advocacy in the U.S. for chips and other critical electronics products that enable them, messaging around the need for domestic supply chain security and resilience is no longer new. But how is that message conveyed? I interviewed David Schild of PCBAA and Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) to discuss their recent documentary film. It tells the story of both a large and small PCB fabricator, bringing their light in a very personal way. This 20-minute documentary packs an impactful punch and it’s not to be missed.

When Quality Is Personal: The Human Stakes Behind Electronics Reliability
Published May 6

I loved this interview between Kelly Dack and Doug Pauls, who conducted a Learning Lounge presentation at APEX EXPO on flux and reliability. Doug, a recipient of the Hall of Fame Award from the Global Electronics Association, has a long history of military and aerospace experience as well as a very personal reason for building reliable electronics. He’s an engaging presenter, evidenced by his standing-room-only session, and this interview is fun and informative.