EMS@C-LEVEL
As Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences and their expectations for their own businesses and for the entire electronic manufacturing industry.
EMS@C-LEVEL
Markets, Mayhem and Manufacturing: Insights on the Future of Electronics Manufacturing in the America
The manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly, with economic headwinds creating a fascinating divide among electronics producers. While some companies hesitate in the face of tariff uncertainties and political tensions, others boldly expand capacity and embrace AI to solve their most pressing challenges. This dichotomy forms the foundation of an insightful conversation with Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of Koh Young America at APEX 2025.
Looking beyond current challenges, we explore the fundamental shift in growth expectations for the electronics manufacturing industry. The explosive post-pandemic growth of 2022 represented an anomaly fueled by inventory rebuilding and backlogged investments - creating a "new normal" that requires technological innovation rather than simply waiting for another market surge. This reality is driving forward-thinking manufacturers to invest strategically in AI capabilities that can increase productivity without expanding their workforce.
Particularly fascinating is the developmental pathway of manufacturing AI systems, which mirrors human learning progression. Beginning with high-quality, trustworthy data collection, these systems evolve from making recommendations (which operators implement) to eventually becoming fully autonomous, self-correcting entities. We explore Koh Young's practical implementation of this approach through their KAP (Koh Young Auto-Programming) tool and review functions, which are steadily progressing toward the autonomous, or 'agentic', model that represents manufacturing's future. For companies seeking manufacturing advantage in uncertain times, understanding this progression - and having the right data foundation - may be the critical differentiator between struggling with today's challenges and thriving despite them.
Curious about how AI is transforming manufacturing floor operations and how economic uncertainties are reshaping investment strategies? This episode provides both high-level perspective and practical insights you can apply to your own operation. Whether you're cautiously waiting for economic clarity or pushing forward with technology-driven solutions, you'll find valuable guidance for navigating manufacturing's rapidly evolving landscape.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.