Posts

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PCB Vertical Integration: From a Master’s Thesis to Reality

Vertical integration in PCB fabrication is a genuinely contested strategic question with real tradeoffs on both sides. The core tension: fabricators that integrate up into design and down into assembly gain margin and stickiness, but risk diluting their manufacturing focus and alienating the EMS and design-house partners they depend on. My latest IConnect PCB007 column on The Pros & Cons of PCB Vertical Integration compares the results of my MBA thesis 25 years ago to today’s reality. Has anything changed? Read the article and find out by clicking on this link: THE PROS & CONS OF PCB VERTICAL INTEGRATION

Reach out to the industry leader for all of your quality and leadership needs at:

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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Moraine Plastics Future-Proofs Quality Systems with Steve Williams

Moraine Plastics partners with national quality expert Steve Williams to enhance systems, performance, and operational excellence.

PRESS RELEASE
WEST BEND , IL, UNITED STATES, February 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Moraine Plastics has engaged Steve Williams, a nationally recognized quality and leadership expert, to consult with the company as it continues to refine its quality systems and support operational excellence.

“At Moraine Plastics, quality isn’t a checkbox—it’s our mindset. Engaging Steve lets us strengthen systems, reinforce continuous improvement, and stay ahead of customer and certification expectations”
– Gerry Ford, President

Click below to read the entire EIN press release

EIN PressWire Press Release

 

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Suzanne Carbon, Evolution Point
February 03, 2026, 16:11 GMT

This press release was distributed across over 450 local, national and network media outlets.

Reach out to future-proof your business

920-841-3478

Steve@tracQMS.com

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Reflections on 50 YEARS in the Business, Part 3

The final installment of this three-part series looking back on my 50 years in the business will focus on my current state; small business owner of a Quality Management consulting business, Author and Certified Leadership expert. Click here to read Part 3

Put my 50 years of experience to work for you!

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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Reflections on 50 YEARS in the Business, Part 2

Read Part 2 here https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543307-i007-feb2026/63?

Continuing with the second installment of this three-part series looking back on my 50 years in the business, I’ll focus on my move up the food chain from manufacturing PCBs to managing PCB suppliers and the unique experience gained from working with the best companies in the world.

Reach out to put my 50 years to work for you!

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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Talking Manufacturing with Steve: Beyond Confidence with Divya Parekh on Talk4TV

In case you missed Tuesday’s blog that focused this interview on Steve’s new leadership book Notorious, I’m reblogging it on the TRAC website as much of the conversation was regarding manufacturing obstacles, solutions and the importance of a solid quality management system. Below are the Talk4TV link plus iHeart & Apple Podcast versions:

 Talk4TV Beyond Confidence

iHeart Beyond Confidence Podcast

Apple Beyond Confidence Podcast

 

Here for all your quality needs:

AS9100/ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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Learn the Notorious “Uncomfortable Truth Behind Government Shutdowns”

We may find outselves in the same situation in a few weeks, so it is important that we all understand why this keeps happening and stay tuned. Check out my recent article in PCB007 Magazine by @I-Connect007 to find out more about the truth behind government shutdowns, to read column Click Here

 

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Electro-Tek: A Williams Family Legacy

I-Connect007 put out this nice announcement on LinkedIn on my recent two-part column “Electro-Tek: A Williams Family Legacy”, with links to both articles and a short highlight video.  See and read it here:

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

 

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Occupational Health & Safety: What is ISO 45001 and why do you need it?

ISO 45001 provides significant value to organizations looking to reduce workplace incidents and demonstrate OH&S commitment. ISO 45001 can be seamlessly integrated into your current QMS as an IMS (Integrated Management System). No need to change your QMS structure, numbering scheme or functionality, I work with you to painlessly integrate these into the existing management system.

ISO 45001 establishes criteria for an OH&S policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing and review. Key elements include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, legal and regulatory compliance, emergency contingency planning, incident investigation and continual improvement. Whether you have a union environment or  local requirements, keeping your employees safe is not only a moral and ethical responsibility, but just good business. Near misses, lost time due to accidents and loss in morale are costs that directly erode the bottom line.

ISO 45001 Quality Management Certification Badge. Vector illustration.

Whether you currently hold ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or IATF 16949, trust the industry expert, TRAC, to guide you through this transition quickly and efficiently.

Benefits

  • Framework to proactively manage OH&S risks
  • Reduced workplace incidents and injuries
  • Demonstrated commitment to worker health and safety
  • Ensured compliance with OH&S regulations
  • Increased organizational resilience
  • Reduced costs through continual improvement of OH&S performance

Reach out for a free phone consultation to get started.

Steve Williams

President – The Right Approach Consulting

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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Environmental Management: What is ISO 14001 and why do you need it?

Implementing ISO 45001 provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. ISO 14001 can be seamlessly integrated into your current QMS as an IMS (Integrated Management System). No need to change your QMS structure, numbering scheme or functionality, I work with you to painlessly integrate these into the existing management system.

Many of my clients are getting pressure from their customers, industry and/or local city or village regulatory agencies to attain this certification to improve their environmental compliance. ISO 14001 is a separate certification that encompasses various aspects from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.

Whether you currently hold ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or IATF 16949, trust the industry expert, TRAC, to guide you through this transition quickly and efficiently.

Benefits

  • Enhanced environmental performance
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Risk management
  • Cost savings
  • Operational excellence
  • Stakeholder and customer trust

Reach out for a free phone consultation to get started.

Steve Williams

President – The Right Approach Consulting

Steve@tracQMS.com

920-841-3478

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: HARLEY-STYLE

Hi all,

Yes, I know it’s the beginning of February and Christmas is past us now, but this was published in the December issue of my column The Right Approach of I-Connect’s PCB007 magazine and I need to wait 30 days for all of their publications to get out through their media channels and audience. Even through it’s a bit past the holiday season, whether you ride or not, I hope this still brings a well-needed smile to you all. Click below to read:

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: HARLEY-STYLE

 

 

 

 

About I-Connect007

I-Connect007 is the foremost authority and go-to information source for the electronics industry. Sign up for their Daily Newsletter and a variety of dedicated magazines on PCB Fabrication, Assembly, MilAero, Flex, SMT and EIN (Electronics Industry News). They also have a vast library of eBooks written by industry technical leaders on a variety of relevant topics. Click below for I-Connect007

I-Connect007

 

Steve Williams

https://www.tracqms.com

https://stevewilliamsauthor.com

920-841-3478

Steve@tracQMS.com

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