Latest news with #sourcing
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
‘Just one prompt': Perplexity CEO says his AI browser can replace two key roles every workplace depends on
San Francisco based AI startup Perplexity has been taking the competition to Google first with its generative AI backed search engine and now with a native AI browser called Comet. However, it's not just Google's lunch money that Perplexity is after, the company's CEO Aravind Srinivas in a recent interview with The Verge revealed that there are at least two white collar jobs that Perplexity's Comet browser should be able to take away soon. What are these two roles then? Well, it's the roles the roles that any workplace normally relies on, recruiters and administrative assistants. In the latest episode of The Verge's 'Decoder' podcast, Srinivas explained how Comet will eventually be able to replace the job of a recruiter after the introduction of a bettter reasoning model like a GPT-5 or Claude 4.5. 'A recruiter's work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs. And then you've got to do state tracking.' Srinivas said on the podcast. 'you want it to keep following up, keep a track of their responses. If some people respond, go and update the Google Sheets, mark the status as responded or in progress and follow up with those candidates, sync with my Google calendar, and then resolve conflicts and schedule a chat, and then push me a brief ahead of the meeting. Some of these things should be proactive. It doesn't even have to be a prompt.' he added Sinivas also notes that Perplexity has the ambition to make its Comet browser feel more like an operating system which runs processes like these in the background and implements commands based on natural language prompts. Comet browser is currently only available to Perplexity's paying customers but the company has also opened invites for free users who should get access to the AI powered product in due time. In a Reddit AMA session earlier in the week, Srinivas had confirmed that Comet browser will be available for even free users but some of the AI powered agentic tasks could be under a paywall. During the latest podcast Srinivas showed optimism in the possibility that users would want to pay for Comet in the long run because of the funtionality it offers. 'And at scale, if it helps you to make a few million bucks, does it not make sense to spend $2,000 for that prompt? It does, right? So I think we're going to be able to monetize in many more interesting ways than chatbots for the browser.' he added.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Navigating ITAR and RoHS Compliance in PCB Assembly
PCB assemblies are the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones to satellites. Yet, behind every successful circuit board assembly lies a complex web of regulations that manufacturers must navigate to ensure both legal operation and market access. In the United States, two of the most critical compliance pillars for turnkey PCB assembly are ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). For PCB assembly providers in the USA, meeting these standards is not just a box-ticking exercise—it is a fundamental requirement for participating in defense, aerospace, and global electronics markets. Compliance impacts every stage of the process, from material sourcing to final shipment. This blog unpacks what ITAR and RoHS mean for circuit board assembly, highlights their key differences, outlines best practices, and addresses common challenges faced by U.S.-based manufacturers. ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations, a set of U.S. government rules that control the export and import of defense-related articles and services. The U.S. Department of State, specifically the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), administers ITAR. Its primary goal is to prevent sensitive military technologies from falling into the wrong hands, safeguarding national security. PCB assemblies designed for military, aerospace, and defense applications are often classified as ITAR-controlled. This includes, but is not limited to: Satellite boards Guidance systems RF (radio frequency) modules Any circuit board assembly that is specifically designed for use in defense articles listed on the United States Munitions List (USML) is subject to ITAR. Even technical data, such as fabrication drawings and netlists, can be ITAR-controlled. Registration: Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Documentation: Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Secure Data Handling: Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Export Licensing: Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Facility and Labor Requirements: Facilities may need export-restricted zones, and all involved personnel must be U.S. persons. This impacts hiring, training, and facility access policies. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Originating as an EU directive, RoHS restricts the use of ten hazardous materials—including lead, cadmium, mercury, and certain phthalates—in electrical and electronic equipment. The aim is to reduce environmental impact and health risks associated with electronic waste. Lead-Free Soldering: PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. Material Selection: All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. Labelling and Testing: Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Vendor Compliance: Manufacturers must ensure that all components and materials sourced are RoHS-compliant, often requiring supplier audits and documentation checks. Although RoHS began as an EU regulation, it has been adopted in various forms worldwide. In the U.S., states like California have implemented their own RoHS laws, and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive also influences domestic practices. U.S. manufacturers follow RoHS to access international markets and meet global customer expectations. Aspect ITAR RoHS Scope National security, defense, military Environmental health and safety Applicability Military, aerospace, defense sectors Consumer, industrial, all electronics Enforcement U.S. Department of State (DDTC) EU authorities, U.S. state agencies Penalties Severe fines, export bans, prosecution Fines, product recalls, market bans Overlap Possible for military boards exported abroad—may require both ITAR and RoHS compliance (e.g., lead-free military PCB) ITAR: Registration with DDTC, restricted access zones, and secure data systems are mandatory for ITAR-sensitive work. RoHS: Dedicated lead-free manufacturing lines, compliant soldering processes, and regular equipment audits are essential. RoHS: Material declarations, Certificates of Conformance, and batch-level traceability records must be maintained. ITAR: Controlled technical data, access logs, and export documentation are required for every transaction and transfer. ERP/MRP systems help track materials, manage documentation, and ensure traceability for both ITAR and RoHS requirements. Automated reporting aids in conflict mineral tracking and regulatory audits. Always verify a supplier's ITAR registration and RoHS certification. For ITAR-sensitive projects, selecting a U.S.-based turnkey PCB assembly provider is critical to avoid unauthorized foreign access and ensure full regulatory compliance. A U.S. defense contractor requires an RF module for a missile guidance system. Using an offshore supplier could risk unauthorized access to ITAR-controlled designs, resulting in severe penalties. The workflow involves design, secure data transfer, U.S.-person-only assembly, and detailed documentation from design to delivery—all within a registered, secure U.S. facility. A consumer electronics OEM sources components from multiple vendors. To achieve RoHS compliance, the procurement team conducts supplier audits, collects Certificates of Conformance, and ensures lead-free soldering during assembly. Regular testing and documentation are maintained to satisfy EU market requirements. Using Non-Compliant Components: Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Exporting ITAR-Controlled Designs Without Licenses: Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Failing to Document RoHS Conformity: Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Relying on Unverified Vendors: Work only with certified, U.S.-based partners for ITAR-sensitive projects and demand RoHS documentation from all suppliers. Integrate Compliance Early: Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Maintain a Vetted Supplier List: Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Train Teams on Regulations: Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Monitor Legislative Updates: Stay informed about changes, such as ITAR amendments or RoHS 3 updates, to remain compliant and competitive. Navigating ITAR and RoHS compliance in PCB assembly is not just about avoiding penalties—it is about ensuring access to critical markets, protecting sensitive technologies, and supporting environmental responsibility. For OEMs and manufacturers, working with certified, experienced domestic partners like Star Engineering provides peace of mind and a distinct competitive advantage. Star Engineering offers turnkey PCB assembly solutions that meet the highest standards of ITAR and RoHS compliance. Connect with the Star Engineering team today to ensure every circuit board assembly meets the requirements for quality, security, and global market access. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Make (more) in India: India switches to factory settings for niche electronics
TIL Creatives Representative Image Kolkata: After iPhones, smart televisions and microwave ovens, India is now scaling up manufacturing of more niche electronic products such as robotic vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, built-in refrigerators and air fryers, which, till recently, were fully imported. The development, according to industry executives, is driven by the government's expanding list of electronic products whose factories need certification under the quality control orders (QCO) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that are meant to control imports from China and other places, as well as promote local production. Most of these specialised products have come under QCO in the past eight to nine months. Till recently, most consumer goods firms argued that the market size for these categories was so small that local production did not make sense. 'BIS norms have been a big trigger, with more and more brands — including premium ones — exploring local production for small appliances despite small market size,' said Atul Lall, managing director of Dixon Technologies. 'It's a nice business opportunity.' Earlier this week, Dixon signed an agreement with Eureka Forbes to manufacture robotic vacuum cleaners, a category with a market size of just about Rs 700 is the largest home-grown electronics contract manufacturer. Europe's Liebherr has set up a plant for built-in customised refrigerators in Aurangabad, with production commencing in April, despite domestic annual sales of only 14,000-15,000 Agarwal, India managing director (sales) at Liebherr Appliances, said that implementation of the BIS norms for refrigerators from this year served as a wake-up call to set up a factory locally, further aided by the premiumisation wave. 'We were importing from Germany but getting the factory certified is a tedious process. We also believe the market will grow to 1 lakh units in five years. So a local plant made a business case and will reduce import lead time,' he Greaves Consumer Electricals' annual report said it will prioritise local sourcing this fiscal. Havells India said in its annual report it will further support localisation of products to reduce import dependence, from about 8% of its total sourcing in the previous financial year, having scaled it down from around 15% of total sourcing in of QCOs has opened up more attractive categories, according to Ajay Singhania, MD of contract manufacturer Epack Durable, while the business for more mature categories such as mixer grinders has been either flat or growing at a nominal rate of 3-4% annually. The opportunity includes 72 categories, such as air fryers, electric kettles and hair dryers, most of which were earlier fully imported, he said. 'We are taking a lead in localising these categories and meeting the requirements of most of the marquee customers,' he told analysts last firms imported these products in bulk in the past few months before the QCO came into executives said that while the market size may be small for standalone categories, it's altogether a business opportunity of more than Rs 12,000-13,000 crore. To put it in perspective, the market size of air-conditioners alone is more than Rs 40,000 crore and that of smartphones is more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Another leading contract manufacturer, PG Electroplast, began small appliance production seven to eight years ago, but had to discontinue it as the opportunity was very small at the time, said its managing director (operations) Vikas Gupta. 'But with the BIS norms, we are now relooking at it as a lot of brands are approaching us,' he said. The government has, over the past few years, expanded the compulsory BIS QCO certification to products such ACs, washing machines, refrigerators, ceiling fans, plugs, switches and cables, and very few overseas factories have received the BIS certification.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Make (more) in India: India switches to factory settings for niche electronics
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kolkata: After iPhones, smart televisions and microwave ovens, India is now scaling up manufacturing of more niche electronic products such as robotic vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, built-in refrigerators and air fryers, which, till recently, were fully development, according to industry executives, is driven by the government's expanding list of electronic products whose factories need certification under the quality control orders (QCO) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that are meant to control imports from China and other places, as well as promote local production. Most of these specialised products have come under QCO in the past eight to nine months. Till recently, most consumer goods firms argued that the market size for these categories was so small that local production did not make sense.'BIS norms have been a big trigger, with more and more brands — including premium ones — exploring local production for small appliances despite small market size,' said Atul Lall, managing director of Dixon Technologies . 'It's a nice business opportunity.' Earlier this week, Dixon signed an agreement with Eureka Forbes to manufacture robotic vacuum cleaners, a category with a market size of just about Rs 700 is the largest home-grown electronics contract manufacturer. Europe's Liebherr has set up a plant for built-in customised refrigerators in Aurangabad, with production commencing in April, despite domestic annual sales of only 14,000-15,000 Agarwal, India managing director (sales) at Liebherr Appliances, said that implementation of the BIS norms for refrigerators from this year served as a wake-up call to set up a factory locally, further aided by the premiumisation wave. 'We were importing from Germany but getting the factory certified is a tedious process. We also believe the market will grow to 1 lakh units in five a local plant made a business case and will reduce import lead time,' he said. Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals ' annual report said it will prioritise local sourcing this fiscal. Havells India said in its annual report it will further support localisation of products to reduce import dependence, from about 8% of its total sourcing in the previous financial year, having scaled it down from around 15% of total sourcing in of QCOs has opened up more attractive categories, according to Ajay Singhania, MD of contract manufacturer Epack Durable, while the business for more mature categories such as mixer grinders has been either flat or growing at a nominal rate of 3-4% annually. The opportunity includes 72 categories, such as air fryers, electric kettles and hair dryers, most of which were earlier fully imported, he said. 'We are taking a lead in localising these categories and meeting the requirements of most of the marquee customers,' he told analysts last firms imported these products in bulk in the past few months before the QCO came into executives said that while the market size may be small for standalone categories, it's altogether a business opportunity of more than Rs 12,000-13,000 crore. To put it in perspective, the market size of air-conditioners alone is more than Rs 40,000 crore and that of smartphones is more than Rs 1.5 lakh leading contract manufacturer, PG Electroplast , began small appliance production seven to eight years ago, but had to discontinue it as the opportunity was very small at the time, said its managing director (operations) Vikas Gupta. 'But with the BIS norms, we are now relooking at it as a lot of brands are approaching us,' he government has, over the past few years, expanded the compulsory BIS QCO certification to products such ACs, washing machines, refrigerators, ceiling fans, plugs, switches and cables, and very few overseas factories have received the BIS certification.
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Motilal Oswal sets the highest-ever target price for Suzlon Energy shares at Rs 82; here's why
Motilal Oswal has issued a 'Buy' call on Suzlon Energy with its highest-ever target price of Rs 82, implying a 24% upside. The brokerage cites benefits from upcoming local content mandates, a strong order book, and improved execution through land acquisition and EPC expansion. The RLMM policy, mandating local sourcing, is expected to be formally adopted in Q2FY26. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Believing that Suzlon Energy Ltd (SUEL) stands to benefit from local content mandates, a strong order book ensuring revenue visibility, and improved execution via land acquisition and EPC expansion, domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal has assigned its highest-ever target price for the stock at Rs Oswal has given a 'Buy' rating and sees an upside potential of 24% from Thursday's closing price on the BSE.'SUEL stands to benefit from regulatory tailwinds mandating local content, a robust order book providing strong revenue visibility, and execution improvements through proactive land acquisition and EPC expansion initiatives,' the brokerage said in a Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) notification mandating local content in wind turbines is expected to be formally adopted in Q2FY26. While developers have sought up to a year for implementation, policy intent remains Oswal believes this could be a tailwind for Suzlon the company's order outlook remains strong, with potential NTPC awards of 1.5 GW expected soon. FY26 total orders are estimated at 4 GW, which could raise the order book to 6.5 GW — surpassing the previous peak of 5.6 the brokerage flagged execution as a continuing challenge in the wind sector, with FY25 capacity additions at 4.2 GW, still below the 5.5 GW peak in FY17. That said, larger turbine sizes and the expansion of projects across more states could help exceed past are playing a more active EPC role as their financials improve, with early land acquisition becoming more common. The shift to a land lease model and the phasing out of ISTS waivers should also ease execution bottlenecks. For Suzlon, the EPC share in the order book is expected to rise from 20% to 50% in the medium term, enhancing execution read: HUL shares rally 4% as Priya Nair gets CEO role: Why D-St is betting big on India's new consumer queen Suzlon's cash conversion cycle (CCC) is also projected to improve by 30–35 days over the next few years, aiding free cash flow generation. This improvement will be driven by slower growth, better inventory control from rising EPC share, and stronger supplier bargaining 2HFY27 onwards, the company may also use more debt to meet working capital needs, improving balance sheet efficiency and sustaining return on equity (RoE).Given this outlook, Motilal Oswal has applied a target P/E of 35x to FY27E EPS — a slight premium to its historical two-year forward P/E average of 27x — as execution and earnings momentum are only beginning to pick up for Suzlon of noon today, shares of Suzlon Energy were trading 0.7% lower at Rs 65.51 on BSE.
