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
Down at the Doctor's with Dr. Bill Cardoso and Dr. Eric Miscoll: AI Curiosity, Tariff Turmoil, Economic Uncertainty, and Much More
As day two of APEX 2025 draws to close, I sit down for some group therapy with Creative Electron CEO Bill Cardoso and EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll to explore the key takeaways from two show days, and more than forty interviews.
The manufacturing world stands at a crossroads where artificial intelligence meets production reality. At APEX 2025, manufacturing leaders are showing up in unprecedented numbers, driven by what experts call "AI curiosity" - a strategic mission to implement AI effectively without repeating the paralysis that plagued Industry 4.0 adoption.
What's fascinating is how manufacturers are approaching AI implementation. Rather than diving headfirst into comprehensive digital transformations, companies are seeking small, tangible projects with clear KPIs and measurable returns. This pragmatic approach stems from hard-learned lessons about technological adoption. Meanwhile, a crucial debate rages between using powerful cloud-based AI platforms versus developing proprietary systems that keep sensitive manufacturing data secure from competitors. For many electronics manufacturers whose customers restrict network connectivity, edge computing isn't just preferable—it's essential.
Market uncertainty continues to challenge capital investment decisions, with tariff fluctuations creating chaos particularly along border regions. One example cited shows how the price of a single vehicle can fluctuate by thousands of dollars as components cross borders multiple times during production.
Through this uncertainty, business agility has emerged as the defining competitive advantage, with global manufacturers able to shift production strategically across regions. Mid-sized EMS companies, especially those with defense industry exposure, are weathering conditions most effectively by exploring automation solutions that boost productivity without proportional headcount growth. Looking toward the future, industry leaders emphasize that technological adoption without clear metrics is directionless—or as one executive cleverly quoted, "If you don't know where you're going, you're never lost."
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX 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.