Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - SMTA Presidential Candidates Make Their Case

Perhaps you have heard it’s election season around the world. SMTA is undergoing an election of its own this fall, with ballots due July 31. PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY asked the two candidates for president of the electronics assembly organization to provide their priorities, should they be elected. Their responses are lightly edited for grammar and style.

Bill Capen

Prolific Author

I have a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin Stout in industrial management – a hybrid between industrial engineering and business with a focus on learning to manage engineering projects and people.

I have worked in the electronics industry for over 34 years. I worked my way from SMT technician at a contract manufacturing company to senior SMT Manufacturing engineer with numerous high-reliability companies. My current position is senior engineering technical specialist with a focus on driving technology and electronics manufacturing forward with large capital equipment implementation and development. I have published numerous technical papers, presentations and been issued one patent during my time with my current high-reliability employer. Bill Capen SMTA

Mentoring

One highlight of my career is knowing that 40 current and previous mentees are now still in the electronics industry and are mentoring the next generation of engineering team members.

A second is getting to work with all my industry heroes who mentored and guided me and now I get to call them friends. My highlights are because of the amazing people I have met and learned from.

Underutilized Knowledge Transfer …

1. The volume of information and expertise that the SMTA has to offer is untapped and underutilized. Researching the current SMTA database for presentations or papers that are relevant to the topic they need information on is challenging and can discourage future use.

2. Members who have manufacturing issues may look at Internet sites which may not allow them to get all the potential challenges needed to understand how to solve a manufacturing problem.

3. Knowledge sharing from seasoned SMTA members to younger SMTA members in a way that works for both groups and allows mutual learning.

4. Pressure on SMTA members to develop and create technical papers that can be shared at expos or conferences.

5. Technical value that SMTA brings to members.

… and What to Do About It

1. The current SMTA database is challenging to navigate and can present data that is not current with industry thinking. As president I would work with the board of directors and SMTA office members to determine if there are other options for database software and if so, encourage the board and SMTA office members to pursue new software avenues. Software must be user-friendly and cost-effective long term for the organization.

2. Numerous members I have talked with say the same thing: if they can look at things on the internet to solve a problem, they will. SMTA needs to look at how we use numerous internet tools to help direct members to SMTA to solve problems. Solving problems is a core benefit of SMTA and we need to use all the software technology possible. This might include asking members to help develop or utilize software that works with the internet. As president I would be happy to start those types of discussions with members and let them guide us on long-term approaches for the organization.

3. SMTA has a strong, seasoned membership base that is willing to share valuable information on numerous topics and issues. This sharing needs to be something other than the standard technical papers and presentations at expos. As president I would work with our younger members who are fluent in all thing’s social media and work with them to develop tools like 4-minute tech talks or 5-minute problem-solving skills. By utilizing newer platforms social media-wise, SMTA utilizes technology that many of the organizations in SMTA build and develop.

4. SMTA was built on amazing technical papers and presentations. Those technical presentations and presentations take a large amount of time to develop and organize. Many of the younger engineering team members do not want to take months to develop and organize technical papers and presentations. As president I would work with the technical committee and local chapters to pilot hybrid programs that would encourage sharing of valuable technical data without forcing technical presentations. Example of a successful hybrid approach is the SMTA Heartland chapter STAR (Strategic Technology Advancement Research) event, which is in its second year. The STAR program encourages those that want to present a path forward where they have valuable information in a presentation (reviewed by the chapter technical committee) and shared with the chapter. The first year Heartland chapter had 64 people (12 presentations). The second year they had 77 people attend and (15 presentations). Three of those presentations are being used for a STAR mini-event because the chapter had such an amazing turnout for presenters.

5. The million-dollar question as always is, what value does SMTA bring? SMTA was founded with the purpose of sharing amazing technical information and allowing members to network and problem-solve today’s manufacturing questions. As president I would work with the board of directors and the SMTA team to focus bringing value from the organization. That might mean new certification programs that focus on ESD, testing, Green Belt problem-solving, and many other non-standard programs. I would also work with younger members to develop 5-minute videos to share information from industry experts that would be available only through the SMTA home page. The quicker the bits of information shared, the more people use SMTA to resolve problems.

Exploring JVs

The SMTA board serves two huge roles. The first is to provide guidance and direction for local and international chapters. This guidance and direction include how chapters should be defined and the roles of the chapter officers on a local level. The second role is to work with SMTA management team to develop and work with new organizations to bring new and exciting technology and potential joint ventures. As electronics technology continues to grow and develop, the SMTA board needs to provide guidance and direction for the industry to push forward. A perfect example is AI. AI technology is taking the hardware that SMTA helps develop and manufacture, which using very complex software data collection technology creates potential avenues of problem-solving current and future problems. SMTA board needs to help drive this forward so the members start to learn and grow.

A Foundation for Problem-Solving

Young engineers need to realize that college is great for giving a strong foundation for learning about problems. Once they are in the industry, they need to develop problem-solving techniques and sometimes what works for one person does not work for another.

Another thing that younger engineering team members need to learn is that it is OK to not be perfect all the time. Perfection is the enemy of quality and job happiness. When working on projects, things happen and the project may have some sort of failure.

To get into the baseball Hall of Fame a batter must get hits three out of 10 times at bat. The other seven times they make outs. That means the player failed seven of 10 times but still made the Hall of Fame. It’s OK to fail if engineering team members learn and grow from the failures experienced.

Greg Vance

A History of Volunteering

I have a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and am a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

I am a principal development engineer specializing in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within Rockwell Automation’s Advance Manufacturing Engineering Team. I have 31 years of experience at Rockwell Automation in diverse roles supporting global electronics assembly operations and have served as a Lean Six Sigma Project Manager. Recently, I contributed to the development of Industry 4.0 tools to enhance Rockwell Automation’s electronics assembly processes.

My commitment to the industry extends beyond my work; I spent six years on the SMTA Global Board of Directors, holding positions such as secretary, VP of membership, interim president (2020), and VP of finance. Currently, I serve as the technical advisor in the SMTA Ohio Valley Chapter, where I have also been chapter president and treasurer. Greg Vance

Continuous Improvement

In 2022, I achieved the prestigious promotion to principal development engineer at Rockwell Automation. This milestone involved meticulously assembling a portfolio that highlighted my credentials and accomplishments. The portfolio underwent rigorous evaluation by a Technical Council, a community of esteemed engineers within the organization.

I have been honored with five US patents related to assembly process characterization and performance analytics. As part of my Master Black Belt project, I led a team in establishing data streams and leveraging Industry 4.0 tools to characterize our electronics assembly process. This allowed us to track performance metrics and identify areas for continuous improvement. Notably, our work inspired the development of an anomaly algorithm that automates the detection of process deviations, enhancing overall quality control.

Time is of the Essence

For SMTA members and nonmembers one of our top issues is time and the limited amount of it.

Professional Growth

The SMTA’s growing digital library is a valuable resource. To improve accessibility, consider organizing content into well-defined categories, creating intuitive search features, and ensuring regular updates. Members should easily find relevant information, whether it’s technical papers, webinars, or other resources.

Networking is crucial for professional growth. The SMTA can continue to foster connections by organizing virtual events, affinity groups (such as the Women’s Leadership Program) and facilitating access to the member directory. Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among members will strengthen the community.

The new corporate membership structure is a positive step. To maximize its impact, we should ensure that companies understand the benefits and encourage their employees to participate. Clear communication about the advantages of corporate membership can drive engagement.

Leveraging chapters to engage with educational institutions and economic development agencies is a smart move. Collaborate with career centers, community colleges, and universities to establish programs related to component packaging and electronic manufacturing. This will create a talent pipeline and address workforce needs.

Foster Collaboration

The SMTA Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. Here’s a concise breakdown of its responsibilities:

1. Chapter Support:

• As a resource for local chapters, the board assists them in achieving success and understanding their unique challenges.

• It also provides guidance, fosters collaboration, and ensures chapters thrive.

2. Global Oversight:

• The board oversees the organization’s global presence.

• Its focus is on effective management and overall success.

3. Strategic Direction:

• To achieve these goals, the board develops the strategic direction for the SMTA.

• SMTA executive director Tanya Martin and her team then execute on this vision, driving the organization forward.

In summary, the SMTA Board of Directors combines practical support, global vision, and strategic planning to propel the organization toward excellence.

Make Friends

For younger engineers aiming to grow professionally, whether within their companies or the industry at large, here are some valuable steps: Engage with professional organizations like the SMTA and connect with peers. The friendships you develop will be beneficial throughout your career. Attend local chapter meetings, participate in conferences, learn what new at expositions and collaborate with fellow engineers. Networking opens doors to opportunities and knowledge sharing.

Consider becoming an SMTA member. Being part of this community provides access to resources, events, and expertise. Explore the SMTA’s digital library, attend conferences, and stay updated on industry trends. Active involvement can enhance your professional growth. As you progress in your career, challenge yourself to present technical content and write publications. Share your experiences in overcoming electronic packaging, assembly, and box-build challenges. Contributing to the field through presentations and articles establishes your expertise and builds credibility.

Remember, continuous learning, collaboration, and active participation will contribute significantly to your professional development!

The election is open to SMTA members. For details, click here.

Also running for the board of directors are: