From Chaos to Control: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria

Today we’re diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perhaps more importantly, how to fix them midstream before they derail your operations.

Joining me today is someone who knows this space inside and out—Chintan Sutaria. Chintan grew up working in an EMS business from a young age, gaining firsthand experience in the unique challenges of our industry. His career path took him into the world of business process consulting at some of the largest Big 5 firms, and he has since worked with numerous EMS companies on a wide range of projects.

Many of you may recognize Chintan as the founder and former CEO of CalcuQuote, a well-known supply chain management software solution for the EMS industry. Recently, he founded, OpenJar, a consultancy dedicated to helping electronics manufacturers navigate complex business challenges—including ERP implementations.

We’ll discuss his new company as well as his recent blog post, “Why Your ERP Implementation Failed (and How to Fix It Midstream)”, explore common pitfalls, and uncover strategies to steer your ERP project back on course.

Chintan’s Company
OpenJar
https://openjartech.com

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Pick & Place machine Selection and Optimization with Hanwha Semitech Americas CEO, Tim Kang

Today we’re turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick and place technology.

Joining me is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space—starting as a mechanical engineer and now leading one of the top pick and place equipment providers—Tim brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build reliable assemblies.

In this episode, we’re covering best practices for selecting the most appropriate pick and place machine, how to get the most out of your equipment, and the common mistakes that can compromise productivity and long-term reliability.

Whether you’re a process engineer, a line operator, or anyone involved in electronics manufacturing, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use right away.

Hanwha’s Website:
https://www.hanwha-pm.com/en/product/smt/index.asp

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Reliability, Safety, and Human Impact: The DMR Approach with Dheeraj Narang

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Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo – Part 2

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Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo

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Meet the Press: A Conversation with Journalist and PCEA President, Mike Buetow

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Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future

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Stencil Design and Manufacturing Best Practices with Elias Malfavon Jr.

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AI Integrated Supply Chain Management Software with Sebastian Schaal

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Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman

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Electronics Testing Best Practices with Robert Boguski

On this episode, we’ll dive into the world of electronics testing with an expert within the electronics testing industry, Robert Boguski,  President and Owner of Datest.

Robert brings 44 years of experience in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic systems. Under his leadership, Datest has become a premier provider of advanced, integrated PCBA testing and inspection services, serving both contract manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers since its founding in 1984.

Robert’s extensive background includes active participation in industry associations such as APICS, SMTA, and IPC, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field. He is also a columnist for Circuits Assembly Magazine, where he shares his insights on industry trends and challenges.

In this episode, we’ll explore Robert’s journey in the electronics manufacturing industry, the evolution of testing technologies, and his perspectives on the future of electronics testing.

Join us as we gain valuable insights from a leader whose career has been dedicated to excellence in electronic testing and manufacturing.

Robert’s Info:
Robert Boguski
rboguski@datest.com

Datest

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AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria

Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and reliability.

Our guest today is a leading innovator in this field. Priyansha Bagaria is the founder and CEO of Loopr AI, a company at the forefront of AI-powered solutions for manufacturing inspection.

Priyansha holds an MBA in International business and Global management, a bachelors of engineering degree in computer Science, and she held a fellowship in data science at Cornell University.

Her academic background, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has positioned her as a trailblazer in applying AI to manufacturing processes.

In this episode, we’ll explore the advancements Loopr AI is spearheading, how AI inspection technologies are reshaping traditional methods, and the tangible benefits AI offers to manufacturers striving for excellence.

Loopr AI Website:
https://www.loopr.ai

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Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry

Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth.

Joining us is Brian O’Leary, Global Head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and its critical role in the EV revolution.

As electric vehicles continue to redefine the future of transportation, the reliability and scalability of the infrastructure that powers them—particularly public EV charging stations—have become pivotal challenges.

The electronic assembly industry is at the heart of these systems, from the semiconductors enabling fast charging to the sensors ensuring safe and efficient operation. However, with nearly 26% of public EV charging stations estimated to be non-functional at any given time, reliability remains a significant hurdle.

This episode will explore the major reliability issues plaguing public EV charging stations, including power instability, component failures, and environmental challenges.
How innovations in electronics design and assembly can address these challenges, from improving thermal management to leveraging advanced materials like those developed by soldering materials manufacturers.

The exciting opportunities for the electronics industry to lead the charge in building a more resilient, reliable, and efficient EV infrastructure.

Brian O’Leary brings a wealth of knowledge on how advanced materials, smart assembly techniques, and innovative designs can solve these pressing issues and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Together, we’ll review the technical challenges, explore solutions, and look ahead to the bright future of electric mobility.

Brian O’Leary’s Contact Info:
boleary@indium.com
https://www.indium.com

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2024 Season Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters Podcast

Today we’re celebrating the end of another incredible year.

This isn’t just any episode—it’s a time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together, highlight some milestones, and share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made this podcast such a success. Can you believe it?

Reliability Matters has now released 159 episodes! It feels like just yesterday we started this podcast with the mission to explore how industry experts and their knowledge contribute to the reliability of electronics. And here we are—growing, learning, and making a real impact in our field.

But here’s what blows me away the most: over 85,000 downloads. That’s not just a number—it’s a testament to you, our amazing audience.

Whether you’re listening in your car or on your morning jog, or watching this on our YouTube channel, you’ve made this podcast part of your journey. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

This year alone, we’ve covered some fascinating topics. From ultra-high-density interconnects to post-reflow inspection, from thermal profiling to cutting-edge coating materials—we’ve explored it all. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of the brightest minds in the electronics industry.

Each guest has brought their unique insights, helping us all better understand the intricate science and art behind building reliable electronics.

To my incredible guests—thank you. Your willingness to share your expertise, stories, and even a few laughs has been the lifeblood of this podcast. Every episode is a reflection of your generosity and brilliance.

I also want to give a shout-out to you—yes, you. Whether you’re a long-time listener or you just discovered us this year, you’re the reason I do this.  The messages, the comments, the emails—it’s all so inspiring. When you tell me how a particular episode helped solve a problem, spark a new idea, or simply make your day better, it reminds me why Reliability Matters matters.

As we wrap up the year, I’m reminded of something I say often on this show: reliability isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey. It’s a series of choices, processes, and innovations that, together, ensure the technology we rely on lives up to its promise.

And this podcast? It’s a part of that journey. It’s a space where we can learn together, challenge assumptions, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.

Mike Konrad’s Contact Info:
mike@mikekonrad.com
https://www.reliabilitymatterspodcast.com

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The New Kids in Town – The Cast of the D-Code Podcast

Today, I’m excited to introduce the hosts of the D-Code podcast, a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry.

With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronic assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has already begun to attract attention, tackling industry insights with a unique lens that up-and-coming voices can uniquely offer.

My guests today are Daniel Stanphill, SMT Process Engineer at Aurora Boardworks, a contract assembler located in Aurora, Nebraska, Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics, located in Fraser Michigan, also a contract manufacturer, and Elias Malfavon, President of Metal Etch Services, a SMT stencil fabricator located in San Marcos California.

I’ll ask them about their experiences, challenges, and how they’re setting out to decode the world of electronics manufacturing.

Contact Information:
The D-Code Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@The-D-Code

Daniel Stanphill
Aurora Boardworks
daniel.stanphill@auroraboardworks.com
https://auroraboardworks.com

Sean Kincaid
K & F Electronics
sean@the-d-code.com
https://www.circuitboards.com

Elias Malfavon
Metal Etch Services
elias@the-d-code.com

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