# Global Operations, Advanced Automation, Cobots, and the Future of EMS with Mickey McCallion from SMTC

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2024-04-29
- Length: 9m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m

## Summary

Mickey McCallion, EVP of Global Operations at SMTC, explains how the company synthesizes diverse legacy equipment from acquisitions across its US and Mexico facilities using the CFX platform and Arch software to standardize OEE and KPIs. He discusses the strategic shift toward advanced automation and AI to mitigate talent shortages and maintain competitiveness even in lower-wage regions like Chihuahua, Mexico. McCallion highlights a specific gap in the current market, noting the absence of large collaborative robots (cobots) capable of handling high-end box-build tasks at industry events like APEX 2024.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=8) Introduction: SMTC's Global Footprint and Legacy Equipment
- [1:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=101) Synthesizing Operations with CFX and Arch Software
- [3:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=227) Focus on Efficiency, Lean Six Sigma, and Quality
- [5:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=307) The Role of AI and Analytics in EMS
- [6:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=366) Automation as a Barrier to Entry and Talent Mitigation
- [6:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-29-global-operations-advanced-automation-cobots-and-the-future-of-ems-with-mickey-m#t=413) Observations on Cobots and Box-Build Automation at APEX

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- SMTC (company)
- CFX (tool)
- Arch (company)
- Click (tool)
- APEX (other)
- Universal (other)
- Fuji (other)
- Hanwha (other)
- Panasonic (other)
- Koh Young (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-05-09-leadership-perspectives-on-robotics-highlights-from-automate-live-in-detroit-mi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [243: Inside Automate 2025: Robotics, Automation Trends, and Expert Insights from Automate LIVE](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-01-243-inside-automate-2025-robotics-automation-trends-and-expert-insights-from-aut) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [How to Solve the Technology Hesitancy Issue in Manufacturing w/ Erik Nieves](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-09-07-how-to-solve-the-technology-hesitancy-issue-in-manufacturing-w-erik-nieves) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Using Robots in Machine Shops, 3D Printing, and Beyond with KUKA's Nate Brazelle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-08-30-using-robots-in-machine-shops-3d-printing-and-beyond-with-kukas-nate-brazelle) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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