The automotive electronics sector has emerged as a pivotal segment of the broader automotive industry, achieving an impressive valuation of USD $239.03 billion in 2022. With progression of this technology, projections indicate that this sector's worth will climb to USD $386.24 billion by the year 2030. The surge in market growth is largely due to the worldwide appetite for electric vehicles (EVs), which is driven by ecological considerations, governmental encouragements for renewable energy adoption, and advancements in the realm of battery technology.

Market Research – Growth from Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Last year represented a landmark in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, as sales figures for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) soared past 10 million units, reflecting a 55% surge from the previous year (2021). In a short span from 2017 to 2022, EV sales catapulted from approximately 1 million to over 10 million units, showcasing a rapid acceleration in EV adoption. The intricate and advanced electronic systems integral to EVs, including those for battery management, motor control, and charging systems, are at the heart of this burgeoning sector.

This sector's expansion is further fueled by the increasing demand for more advanced automotive electronics, as evidenced by the innovations presented at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, where groundbreaking technologies such as the BMW Advanced Personal Assistant, Hyundai Mobis MOBION, and Intrepid Control Systems neoVI CONNECT. 

Cogiscan's Track, Trace & Control Platform (TTC Platform) has been a cornerstone in the realm of automotive electronics manufacturing for over two decades, supporting a wide variety of electronics manufacturers. It has been crucial in aiding these manufacturers to adhere to the stringent standards, including the new demands emerging from the EV market – ensuring these manufacturers are able to improve quality and ensure traceability throughout the entirety of the production lifecycle.

Active Traceability Tailored for Automotive Electronics Assembly

The TTC Platform is meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of automotive electronics manufacturing (eg. temperature & environmental resistance, vibration & shock resistance, reliability, quality, safety, and traceability) with a primary emphasis on active traceability – controlling production when processes deviate from requirements. Recording vital technical information, from reception of circuit boards to final unit assembly, Cogiscan’s traceability system aides in compliance with IATF 16949 traceability standards and helps to form a robust defense against potential risks. This level of traceability not only upholds quality benchmarks but also aligns well with the stringent technical requirements of IATF 16949 (ISO/TS 16949).

Mitigating Risks & Enhancing PCBA Quality Control

To tackle the intricate technical hurdles involved in diminishing risks within automotive electronics manufacturing, Cogiscan’s TTC Platform delivers comprehensive traceability and superior quality control measures for printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The system is designed to mitigate the likelihood of warranty returns and field recalls, thereby protecting the reputation of automotive brands. By implementing these stringent control applications on the shop floor, manufacturers can elevate their end-customer’s confidence and trust – thus boosting overall satisfaction, and substantially reducing the technical liabilities and economic repercussions that can stem from product recalls. 

Reducing the Impact of Recalls – Costs & Brand Reputation

Beyond preventing recalls, Cogiscan’s automotive clients also depend on the TTC Platform to reduce the extent of a recall when it’s unavoidable. Historically, automotive manufacturers have recalled more products than necessary due to imprecise data, opting to play it safe when the affected serial numbers aren't clearly identified. This conservative approach is not only expensive but also leads to unnecessary waste. Addressing this issue by providing accurate data that pinpoints exactly impacted units/circuit boards, the TTC Platform helps to limit the breadth and expense of a recall. 

This precision also ensures that recalls are managed responsibly and effectively, with all defective products correctly identified, thus protecting the brand's reputation, and reducing the risk of any legal complications. While no one wants to initiate a recall, recognizing that unexpected defects can occur is essential. In these circumstances, access to reliable and precise data is invaluable.

Reducing Waste in Automotive Manufacturing (and addressing ESG requirements)

Cogiscan's TTC Platform bolsters manufacturing efficiency by focusing on waste reduction through real-time inventory management and accurate machine and material setup validation. By ensuring that only appropriate and non-expired components, materials and/or consumables are allowed in the manufacturing process, the platform ensures waste isn’t created unnecessarily. This commitment to waste reduction is a critical step towards meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and supporting green initiatives within the automotive industry. The platform's capabilities contribute to a more sustainable production process, which is increasingly important for companies looking to enhance their sustainability practices (ex. GM and Stellantis), and for both investors and consumers who value environmentally responsible brands.

In conclusion, the global automotive electronics market is on a trajectory of growth and transformation, driven by technological innovation, consumer expectations, and environmental considerations. Automotive electronics manufacturers using Cogiscan’s TTC System today leverage real-time, data-driven insights for precision and reliability at every stage of the production process – equipping them with the technical agility necessary to thrive in this dynamic and deeply competitive market.

Ensure perfection in the production of your automotive circuit boards today!