Automate Front End Engineering Processes with Kent Balius

Judy Warner

| Created: February 23, 2021

Automate Front End Engineering Processes with Kent Balius

How can we become more efficient as an industry? Kent Balius is here with us to discuss the importance of automating Front End Engineering processes. His company EPIC Front End Engineering promotes intelligent processing by reducing human interactions and eliminating labor-intensive administrative processes.

This episode is all about smart engineering. Learn how an automated process can help increase your profits and revenues.

Listen to the Podcast:

Download this episode (right click and save)

Watch the video:

Show Highlights:

About Kent Balius:
- 35 years of front-end engineering at PCB fabricators
- Viasystems/TTM, Global standardization plant-to-plant Data Package Collaboration between OEM designs and Fabricators (Seamless Global Transfer)
- EPIC Turn unstructured Data and convert it to Intelligent Data-Driven Processes
- IPC-2581 Adoption and drive automation
What are the current challenges in the Industry: archaic, manual, intensive administrative process
Dumb-data: Gerbers
Effects on Revenues and Profitability: cost and time implications
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Reduce human interaction and error. Increase reliability!
Move toward digitization, IPC-2581, EPIC Front End Engineering

Links and Resources:

EPIC Website
Column in PCD&F Magazine (coming soon)
IPC-2581 Consortium Webpage
TTM Julie’s Ellis podcast: Seamless Global Transfer

Altium 365: Where the World Designs Electronics

About Author

About Author

Judy Warner has held a unique variety of roles in the electronics industry for over 25 years. She has a background in PCB Manufacturing, RF and Microwave PCBs and Contract Manufacturing, focusing on Mil/Aero applications.

She has also been a writer, blogger, and journalist for several industry publications such as Microwave Journal, PCB007 Magazine, PCB Design007, PCD&F, and IEEE Microwave Magazine, and an active board member for PCEA (Printed Circuit Engineering Association). In 2017, Warner joined Altium as the Director of Community Engagement. In addition to hosting the OnTrack Podcast and creating the OnTrack Newsletter, she launched Altium's annual user conference, AltiumLive. Warner's passion is to provide resources, support, and advocate for PCB Design Engineers worldwide.

More content by Judy Warner

Related Resources

What is PCB design? With Kelly Dack and Judy Warner

What is PCB design? With Kelly Dack and Judy Warner What is PCB design? Learn all about what Pro PCB designer Kelly Dack and find out what he has to say about Altium Designer from a new perspective. Watch or listen to this OnTrack Podcast episode now. Read Article

What is in the PCB Bill?

What is in the PCB Bill? In this episode, Representative Moore, one of the co-sponsors of H.R.7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022, will give us brief but insightful details about the bill. Read Article

Why Protect Vias and What is IPC 4761?

Why Protect Vias and What is IPC 4761? In this episode Gerry Partida a manufacturing expert and Director of Engineering at Summit Interconnect Technologies shares the 7 ways to protect your Vias and gives valuable info about IPC 4761. Read Article

PCBs, Global Innovation Policy & the CHIPS Act

PCBs, Global Innovation Policy & the CHIPS Act Explore the intersection of Global Innovation Policy and the CHIPS Act with Stephen Ezell, VP of Global Innovation Policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), in this insightful episode of the OnTrack Podcast. Hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson, this discussion delves into the complexities of navigating the Chinese market, the principles of comparative advantage, and the critical role of policy in fostering Read Article

Online Educational Resources for Mastering PCB Design

Online Educational Resources for Mastering PCB Design Ben Jordan, “Dean of Altium Academy”, shares details about the central hub for educational resources: documentation, videos, and tips for mastering your Altium software. Read Article

The EMC Doctor is in: Ken Wyatt on EMI and PCB Health

The EMC Doctor is in: Ken Wyatt on EMI and PCB Health The OnTrack Podcast welcomes Ken Wyatt (also known as ‘the EMC Doctor’). Ken is an EMC Engineer, a prolific author on EMI/EMC related topics, and an industry consultant. Read Article

Patrick Züger Talks About the Altium Designer 20 New and Exciting Features

Patrick Züger Talks About the Altium Designer 20 New and Exciting Features "Altium Designer - for me, it’s the best (PCB design) tool" says Patrick Züger, a veteran Altium Beta user. Patrick shares Altium Designer 20 new and exciting features. Interactive routing is one. Read Article

Saving Time Routing in Altium Designer 20

Saving Time Routing in Altium Designer 20 Judy Warner dives deep into the subject of Altium Designer 20 with long-time Altium Beta user and thirty-two year veteran of circuit board design, Mark Ross. Read Article

What Has Working in a Startup Taught You? Interested in PCB startup life? Learn from Jeremy Blum about his experience working in a startup and building a company from scratch. Watch Video

Eric Bogatin Debunks Common Misconceptions About Transmission Lines

Eric Bogatin Debunks Common Misconceptions About Transmission Lines In this episode, signal integrity expert Eric Bogatin aims to give PCB designers some needed guidance when it comes to dealing with transmission lines. Read Article

Back to Home

Take advantage of the world's
most trusted PCB design system.

One interface. One data
model. Endless possibilities.

Effortlessly collaborate with
mechanical designers.

The world's most trusted
PCB design platform

Best in class interactive
routing

View License Options