We’ve been building automated factories for quite a while. However, the time has come for smart factories in our segment of the electronics industry. In this issue, we explore smart factories, the technologies required, and the shift in thinking that Industry 4.0 and smart factories will bring to our world.

For our first practical example, Barry Matties brings us up to date with DSG’s facility in China. In this factory tour and interview with Mauro Dallora, we learn about the current ongoing expansion and future plans that illustrate how smart factory fundamentals can be a big help to your business.

In “Building a Smart Factory Supply Line”, Barry relays his experiences from his tour of the 236,000 square meter Victory Giant Technology Campus. VGT is a Chinese-based manufacturer implementing smart factory solutions as they continue their growth from traditional manufacturing to automated systems, with an impressive expansion plan.

Neil Sharp discusses four core electronic component packaging issues in “Improving the Efficiency of Your PCBA Production.” Then, Happy Holden’s feature article lays the philosophical groundwork for thinking about smart factories of the future.

A few more interesting interviews come to you from Phoebe Francis, a representative for the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)—a group at the center of standardizing wireless power systems and Anfield Group’s Chris Humphreys who discusses current cybersecurity concerns in the industry.

Happy Holden returns with “A Working Definition of Automation” and a 10-question quiz about smart factory data in “What Do You Know About Automation?”

In “How Smart is Your Factory?” regular columnist, Eric Camden, reminds us that working smart is not simply equipment and data capture. Bob Wettermann’s column this month focuses on “Inspection of BGAs After Rework.”

Features

Columns

Articles