Paragraph 1 of the article addresses "form factor" and paragraph 2 uses the terms "Form, Fit, and Function" if the part is "FF&F" qualified, then the footprint has been checked right along with the physical dimensions and the electrical and environmental specifications.This really highlights the comprehensive nature of the Component Engineering discipline. I have a section header called Core Disciplines on the website that breaks down the various areas of responsibility for Component Engineers. I freely use the term "discipline" because that is what this job requires in order to perform at a level that will guarantee product integrity.
Well HH, I haven't right asnwer for your questions, maybe other way for better qualifying component in electronics word which is one of the main interest here at EBN community, could be its footprint within the market; I didn't find it inside the list and it wasn't mentioned within previous posts.
Thanks douglus for elaborating on the important role that a CE plays in the successful product design. Your are very right that the success of the big product companies like MS lies in the fcat that they give due importance to the role of CE dept in the product design .
Unfortunately in many a small and medium sized companies there is no seperate function as component engineering and there lies the skill of the design engineer in taking all the other departments in confidence before finalising the component selection.
Thanks for this very useful blog . The porducts designed by taking into account the supply chain issues, as mentioned by you , can only stand the test of time .
When I was the CE Manager at Microsoft, my annual review was conducted by managers from different areas of the company. I think MS got it right. The position of Component Engineer is a demanding discipline that has impacts on not just the product, but people in various departments throughout the company. We are all familiar with the term "fire fighting" and there is enough of that in the day-to-day operations of a company already. The CE is first and foremost a "Fire Preventer" as it is his or her job to anticipate where fires cold break out in a company process or product as related to product ongoing availability, quality, and reliability. I was reviewed by the Director of Operations, Mechanical Engineering, Development Engineering, Materials, and Planning. But my most memorable review was from the Director of Business Development. He and I are still friends today because he recognized that his job was a whole lot easier because the product he was responsible for, enjoyed world-wide acceptance and a solid reputation for quality and reliability. A CE cannot sit in his or her office and do the job. It requires interacting with people from all departments. If the work is done up front, considering every department's immediate and potential needs, there will be a lot less fires and a lot better working environment at the end of the day. One last thing. The Component Engineer must be highly oriented to detail type work, a natural researcher, a diligent performer, and an excellent inter-departmental communicator. Any comprehensive work up front, will save time, effort, and money after the product is released. The CE has a unique opportunity in the company to make a significant contribution to the success of the company as defined by product quality, acceptance in the market place, and promoting a solid company reputation based upon excellent product performance.
"The element of product design specification is applicable to all products irrespective of technology."
A poorly designed product will certainly affect the credibity of the company. It is important for the design team to understand all the compliance rules that are requiered in the countries the product will be sold to. Unfortunaly, some countries leaders are ready to import any kind of products that do not pass the requiered specifications provided they got their commissions. I've heard stories about products that are shipped to Africa, but can not cross the borders of Europe. Why that? Shouldn't the rules be the same for every countries?
These are good points. Considering product design specification which has to be comprehensive and unambiguous. As poor product design specification lead to poor designs, and good product design specification make the goal more achievable. The element of product design specification is applicable to all products irrespective of technology.
I have experienced another key factor as qualification of components to acquire, is represented by support services in terms of replacement or spare parts available, once the component is damaged. A long wait timeframe is not good for both vendors and end users, maybe a clear SLA paradigm inside inforequest datasheet could be a good point for making positive decision by buyers.
Good list of points. When we think we have won a socket by getting the component designed in we then have to almost do the same again getting accepted by the procurement team. Now I understand why.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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