Tag Archive: constant innovation

1. Why Is It Important to Be on the Edge of Technology?

   May 31, 2022 2:12 pm Leave a Comment

   Scenario:

   You are searching for a manufacturer on the edge of technology to partner with for your new PCB assembly project. 

   Company A and B both offer low volume, high mix capability for PCB assemblies. Company A has the most effective technology to perform highly replicable automated processes alongside manual assembly. At the same time, Company B relies on mainly manual labor and has not replaced its machinery in 10 years. Both assembly methods can be effective, but one shortens the timeline and increases product accuracy. 

   Which company do you choose? 

    

   What Does “Edge of Technology” Mean?

   The phrase “Edge of Technology” refers to a company constantly remaining ahead of the curve in the latest machinery and equipment. Specifically, this phrase has a connotation that includes a look into the future. In essence, I mean that the word “edge” alludes to something about to move forward; it predicts movement that propels and builds kinetic energy. To clarify, an edge represents the end of a corner and the beginning of another, forcing a step onward. 

   As can be seen in manufacturing, staying informed about upcoming trends and techniques allows a company to predict its next moves in new machine purchase, installation, and usage. 

    

   Why is it Important to Be Constantly Innovating?

   Ultimately, the push to constantly innovate is about staying one step ahead of the customer and competition. In terms of a partnership, both sides must match up to expectations. For example, if a customer requires the newest model of a specific machine that you do not have, then they will find a different partner.

   Electronic Manufacturing Suppliers (EMS) must think about a customer’s future projects. To be a proper solutions provider, you have to answer the question before it’s asked. This practice begins with prediction, preparation, and execution. In this case, a manufacturer must reflect on: 

    

   

   For which industries do I want to do assembly?

   Specific industries may have certain technologies that manufacturers must use to complete a project. This distinction is especially true in advanced Medical Devices and the highly inventive EV Power Industry.

   Where are these industries headed?

   Any manufacturing company must remain privy to the advances driving ambitious projects. From trade shows to industry updates, companies have to envision the next direction for their current and potential customers. 

   What machinery do the potential projects require?

   In order to prepare for the future, companies must have close relationships with their customers to learn about the needed machinery. Collaborations between growing businesses allow for a wide range of innovation with an emphasis on state-of-the-art equipment. 

    

   PGF Machinery and Equipment

   At this point, for PCB Assembly, Cable Harness Assembly, and Wire Processing, PGF utilizes advanced operational technology. 

   With an array of Schleuniger machines for crimping, stripping, and terminating, wires can be processed and sorted quickly with a team of skilled workers operating the machine and perfecting the project. 

   On the other (electronic) side, Selective Soldering machines, Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), and Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) lines place components accurately on their respective PCBs and use reflow soldering to keep them in place. Our team utilizes a Fuji Line and MyData Line to assemble various volumes of PCBAs. 

   An X-Ray machine, In-Circuit Testing devices, and Automated Optical Inspection (API) machines allow close quality inspection. These machines act as second eyes to check PCBA performance.

   With many additional automated and hand equipment, we raise the bar to move forward continuously. 

    

   

    

2. How to Choose the Right Core Values

   May 12, 2022 3:45 pm Leave a Comment

   The Core of the Solution

   In the most obvious sense, the right to be a solutions provider depends on whether or not a company provides solutions. This thought leads to the question, how does a company provide solutions? The aim is always to predict and prepare ahead of time so that when an obstacle arises, we have already cleared a path. For PGF, a focus on the core values lays out a solid base for our problem prevention process.

   By creating priorities, our attention concentrates on the most pressing needs at any point in time. You can’t worry about the next turn if there are blocks in your way at this one.

    

   What Does “Core Value” Mean?

   Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a company that dictate behavior and guide goal-setting. Whenever evaluating progress, returning to the values allows for clear reflection on team performance, customer satisfaction, and overall improvement. They are described as “core” because they are the central and most important part of a business that every member should incorporate into their work. 

    

   Another way to think about it is as a trail guide leading a group of hikers. The hikers are your team members, and the guide represents your core values. Throughout the hike, the guide will point you towards the best paths and rewarding views for the group to enjoy together.

    

   On the other hand, if one of the tourists strays or hires their own personal guide, their path can look quite different from the rest…even potentially dangerous to the group as a whole. To avoid a member of your team from stepping into bear traps or tripping down the hill, setting a company standard allows each individual to engage with the guided hike in their own way.

    

   What Are PGF’s Core Values?

   As it stands, PGF has three main core values that lead us to success. In order, they are: 

    

   1. Customers are our first priority.

    

   2. Employees are treated like family. 

    

   3. Machinery and equipment are constantly innovating. 

    

    

   How Do You Choose the Right Core Values?

   Now that we have established the purpose of picking company ideals, it’s important to peek into how to choose the right ones. After all, if an Electric Vehicle company had a value supporting the usage of fossil fuels, it would confuse potential customers and team goals. Firstly, the process of choosing starts with REST:

    

   Reflect on the Mission Statement. 

   Think through how you want your company to change the industry and in what ways. All in all, our Mission Statement is very customer-based, focusing on providing high-quality products, on-time delivery, and competitive prices.

    

   Establish a long list. 

   Write out a list of words or phrases that echo the mission statement and how to achieve it. For instance, PGF established customer satisfaction, employee gratification, and constant innovation, along with others, as the main ways to adhere to our statement. 

    

   Simplify into key phrases. 

   Next, take the list and highlight the main takeaways. Then, remodel these choices into memorable, short mottos for team members and partners to easily remember. For us, this looked like taking “customer satisfaction“ and turning it into “Customers are our highest priority“. 

    

   Transition with the times. 

   Finally, as your company grows, return to your values and assess with fresh eyes. New hires will also bring new perspectives, so listen to their ideas and thrive with them. Roughly, after every 5 or so years, you might consider sprucing up the goals of your company.

    

   Using this method to determine core values allows you to REST easily, knowing that your group is headed toward that beautiful view. 

   If you would like to experience the results of our values, we encourage you to contact us for your upcoming or current projects!