Having led several industrialization projects in the past, we fully understand how demanding and multifaceted project management can be, especially when it comes to the design and manufacturing of electronic boards.

Meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and adhering to quality standards are essential elements to ensure the success of every project.

Below are some key skills and methods we have developed over the years as a project manager in industrialization, which have ensured the smooth running of each project:

1. Ensuring Timely Delivery

Meeting project deadlines is a priority because it has a significant impact on the company’s cash burn. The longer a project runs, the more costly it becomes due to labor costs allocated to it. To avoid delays, we have learned that anticipation and responsiveness are key to minimizing cash burn.

• Proactive problem-solving: Every project encounters obstacles, such as supply delays and technical challenges. Being adaptable and able to propose corrective actions, like finding alternatives for critical components or renegotiating deadlines with subcontractors, is essential.
• Tracking critical component supply: Managing the supply chain of electronic components is vital as it can quickly become the bottleneck of your project schedule. In previous projects, we implemented tracking systems to ensure that key components were available on time. In cases where they weren’t, we would quickly identify alternatives, reducing the risk of delays.

2. Leading Development and Production

As an industrialization project manager, we have had the opportunity to oversee various production phases, from prototypes to pre-production units.

• Interfacing with internal teams: Coordinating between design teams (handling Gerber files, BOM, etc.) and subcontractors is a key skill. Success lies in the ability to ensure smooth communication and proactively resolve issues.
• Collaborating with EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services): Negotiating with EMS providers to secure optimal quotations in terms of both cost and delivery time is a part of the role that we greatly enjoy. Achieving the best balance between cost and quality through collaboration with subcontractors is essential for optimization.

3. Managing Deliverables and Documentation

Managing deliverables and technical documentation is an integral part of the project management approach.

• Developing and maintaining technical files: Creating clear and detailed deliverables for each milestone ensures full traceability of all project stages and helps prevent errors or unnecessary questions from subcontractors.
• Product coding management: Ensuring rigorous product coding in databases or PLM systems prevents versioning errors and confusion.
• Analyzing samples: Before validating mass production, we always conduct a thorough analysis of samples to detect any potential defects. This feedback loop with subcontractors ensures the final product meets technical specifications. Conducting a compliance matrix using a First Article Inspection (FAI) has been a successful approach.

4. Balancing Cost, Quality, and Time

Through my experiences, we have learned that balancing cost, quality, and time is at the heart of successful industrialization projects. Optimizing costs while maintaining acceptable quality levels and meeting project schedules is crucial.

• Supporting stakeholders: We work closely with stakeholders (EMS, PCB manufacturers, and electronic component distributors) to ensure that objectives are met. When challenges arise, creative solutions are needed to respect project constraints while maintaining a high level of quality.
• Finding the best compromise: Sometimes, it’s impossible to achieve everything (quality, cost, and time), so it’s essential to assess the project’s priorities and suggest adjustments. Often, quality takes precedence, followed by schedule, and then budget, particularly when cash burn is a concern.

5. Key Skills for Industrialization Success

Here are some of the key skills we’ve honed over the years:

• Knowledge of electronic board manufacturing processes: Understanding board manufacturing allows me to anticipate potential obstacles and find effective solutions.
• Project management: Mastering schedules, coordination, and interfacing with various teams are skills we have applied in every project.
• Communication and teamwork: Collaboration and clear communication are essential to project success.
• Attention to detail: Ensuring that every step of the process is rigorously followed prevents costly mistakes.
• Ability to challenge: I always ask the right questions and push teams to find innovative solutions when faced with constraints.

Conclusion

Through our numerous experiences as industrialization project managers, we have learned to manage complex projects and ensure that all stakeholders remain aligned and objectives are met. If you are looking for a project manager who can tackle technical and logistical challenges while ensuring the quality of deliverables, our team are ready to assist you