Kevin Laphen, President, Practical Components

As we move into 2026, electronics manufacturers are working with tighter schedules, leaner teams, and customers who expect clear, timely communication. In an industry where design cycles move quickly and expectations are high, even small improvements in how a team communicates can make a meaningful difference.

This past fall we expanded into AI Training and AI Agent development because many companies told us the same thing: AI feels overwhelming, and they do not know where to start.

We focus on breaking AI down in plain and simple terms so teams understand the WHY behind using it. When everyone from engineering to operations to sales understands why it matters, adoption becomes natural. People feel invested, not forced. And with clear, actionable steps, every department and every generation can use AI with ease and confidence.

A practical place to begin is with early stage customer conversations. An AI Agent can answer common preliminary questions and gather key details so when a prospect finally speaks with a sales rep, the conversation starts at a deeper, more helpful level.

After events like EFECS or Apex, teams can take photos of business cards, record short audio notes, and quickly turn those details into organized follow ups so no one is overlooked. Also, you can have AI put all the contact details and notes into Excel spreadsheet to import into CRM saving time and eliminating input errors.

A final reminder: AI is an assistant, not the final decision maker. Always review the content, check the facts, and make sure everything reflects your voice. Companies that copy and paste AI text will sound generic. Your unique communication is what builds trust.

In 2026 the companies that take time to understand AI and use it in simple, practical ways will be the ones that stay confident and competitive.