Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Quality Imperative in the Mobile Age


Smartphones, PDAs and tablets have made mobile connectivity a necessary component of everyday life in the 21st century. Mobile devices have changed the way people interact, do business and even do chores.

Last year, LG Electronics introduced a robotic vacuum cleaner that connects via Wi-Fi to stream live images with sound, which users can view and control over their smartphone. More recently, LG announced an update to its Lightwave Oven, which is fused with a microwave, grill, fermenter and toaster – and enables users to cook on the go using a smartphone with wireless connection. With the press of a button, the user can set cooking times and control temperature even when away from home.

Using just one of any number of mobile devices and the right app, we can control an ever-increasing number of machines, whether they are household appliances, home security systems or manufacturing facilities. Yet even as mobile tech adoption for remote-access applications rises, the internal controls of the machinery we’re accessing, e.g., a vacuum cleaner or an oven, still remain largely the same – and need to be well engineered for quality and reliability.

As an industry leader in the design and manufacture of electronic controls, Etratech ensures the highest standards of product quality and conformance to customer specifications. Our complete in-house product design includes full prototyping, testing and validation; agency approvals and product compliance; and extensive internal/external testing. We achieve total customer satisfaction through measurable continual improvement of our internal processes and systems. Quality is always a journey, and our goal with all of our customers is to exceed their expectations.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Younger buyers driving demand for more electronics and connectivity in today’s cars

Most Gen Y drivers want to stay
connected to their smartphones while driving.

Are today’s new cars “becoming smartphones”? A recent report in the Chicago Tribune says, “No connectivity, no deal for young buyers.”

The report cites a 2011 study that revealed that more than two-thirds of the youngest respondents (Gen Y – up to age 30) want to be able to connect smartphones in their cars, and they also want the convenience of being able to access applications from a dashboard interface.

"For Generations X and Y, technology is a must-have. They take it for granted; they have to stay connected," says Craig Giffi, Deloitte vice chairman and automotive practice leader.

Older generations aren’t as demanding when it comes to getting electronics and connectivity in their cars, according to the study. "The youngest buyers are looking for electronics that are innovative and have a high 'cool' factor while those over the age of 50 lean toward safety, comfort and control features," says Lara Koslow, a partner in BCG's Los Angeles office. “Young buyers want to be able to Twitter and send instant messages while older buyers view that as unsafe," Koslow adds.

With our commitment to safety and quality, Etratech’s electronics and controls are used by manufacturers in the automotive industry. We've developed and produced advanced electronic controls for leading OEMs around the world since 1989. We have the expertise and resources to compete globally, meeting strict standards of quality. Contact us for more information.