Board Buying

Make sure export-controlled information is going where it's supposed to go.

In my December column, "One Errant Click and IP Protection is Gone," I wrote of the importance of corporate IP protection. But the safe handling of ITAR or MIL data is even more vital to your company's well-being.

PCB buyers must know what information they're sending and where it's going.

"An export applies to more than just physical product placed in a box being shipped overseas," says Tom Reynolds, an export compliance consultant. "Most companies don't realize the act of electronically sending information out of the country is considered an export."

Read more: What's Your Process for Protecting ITAR or Sensitive Data?

Eight things you should do when your PCB vendor has been acquired.

Your printed circuit board supplier has been acquired. Will this acquisition benefit you as a board buyer? Or will it lead to higher prices and a reduced level of service?

 

The reality is that your relationship with the supplier and the level of service will likely change. Here are steps you can take to protect your PCB supply chain.

1. Don't wait to be visited by the new supplier team, especially if the acquired firm was a big part of your PCB spend. Request a meeting sooner rather than later. Pay attention to how receptive the new supplier is to the meeting and be ready to ask as many questions as you need to get the lay of the land.

Read more: Protecting Your Supply Chain

Don’t be afraid to stir the pot to get the best prices from vendors.

Printed circuit board buyers face a challenging environment in 2023, with rising prices for raw materials and freight, along with the continuation of tariffs. A solid board-buying strategy is going to be more important than ever. Does your firm have one?

Read more: What is Your 2023 PCB Procurement Strategy?

Improper management of client info can result in financial or legal repercussions.

Prior to establishing any business relationship, most companies require signed nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for all parties involved with the manufacture of their products. But an NDA is not a license to share everything about a customer’s product. OEMs, EMS companies and PCB manufacturers have an obligation to protect their customers’ intellectual property (IP).

Read more: One Errant Click and IP Protection is Gone

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