Electronics production is a bit like managing a Formula 1 team – speed, precision, and flexibility decide success. Every project manager knows that even the best-planned project can go wrong because of unexpected problems. Lack of components, design mistakes, wrong materials – all of this can mess up your timeline like an Excel sheet after accidentally deleting a few columns.
So, how do you avoid wasting time, money, and nerves? Here are five common traps project managers in small and medium production companies fall into.
Trap 1: The Magic of New Technologies – Shiny ≠ Better
Every year, the electronics industry introduces new materials and super-efficient processes and promises that everything will work faster, better, and cheaper. Graphene-based semiconductors? Printed solar cells? These ideas sound great, but first, ask yourself: Can your team use this without delays?
How to avoid it?
There’s nothing wrong with testing new things, but prototyping is key. If a new material or process needs rebuilding the production line or complex training, savings may come only after years. Start small, test in real conditions, and read industry reports.
How LC Elektronik can help:
We can run compatibility and durability tests in our lab to see if the material really fits your needs.
Trap 2: Old Materials? Must Be Outdated!
In electronics, “new” doesn’t always mean “better.” Polyimides, PET films, or traditional conductive inks are still used a lot – especially where stability, availability, and predictable costs matter.
How to avoid it?
Before you choose a new high-tech composite, check if it really gives any advantage. Sometimes the differences are small, or the new material might even be less durable or more sensitive to the environment.
How LC Elektronik can help:
We compare materials for you, evaluating cost, durability, and ease of use. This helps avoid problems with availability or changes late in production.
Trap 3: Design Inflexibility – “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
Designing electronics is not only about looks and function – it’s also about what’s possible to produce. A complicated design or unusual parts can make assembly a nightmare.
How to avoid it?
Decide which design parts are truly important and which can be simpler. Adjusting the design to match machine and supplier capabilities lowers costs and makes production more predictable.
How LC Elektronik can help:
We work with engineers and PMs during the design phase to optimize construction for production cost and scalability.
Trap 4: “Small” Problems? Nobody Will Notice…
A 1mm error on a touchscreen can make it annoying for users. A badly printed conductive layer might cause micro-cracks and failures. The problem seems small, but in mass production, it can mean thousands of returns and expensive fixes.
How to avoid it?
Don’t assume that small mistakes are okay. Test in real conditions, check standards, and analyze quality control results.
Example: NASA allows tolerance of just 5 micrometers in some space projects – because even tiny errors can lead to failure in extreme conditions.
Trap 5: “I Don’t Trust Anyone – I’ll Check Everything Myself”
As a PM, if you try to do everything – schedules, quality, logistics – you will become a bottleneck. Not delegating leads to chaos and delays.
How to avoid it?
Build a team that works independently and feels responsible. Delegating doesn’t mean losing control – it increases efficiency and avoids burnout.
Tip: PMs who use regular retrospectives and feedback sessions lower the risk of mistakes by 20–30%. People spot issues more easily when they’re part of the decision-making process.
Summary: Your Projects Can Be More Predictable
A PM in electronics is not just a person with a schedule – they’re a strategist. You can’t plan for everything, but you can avoid risk by not falling into these traps:
✅ Test new technologies, but start small
✅ Don’t ignore proven materials just because they’re old
✅ Design with flexibility and production reality in mind
✅ Don’t underestimate small issues – they can grow into big problems
✅ Delegate and trust your team – you’re a manager, not a micromanager
Managing risk in electronics production is a balance between innovation and stability. The key is knowledge and making decisions based on real data. This way, you avoid surprises and make your project more competitive.