Electronics² at EFX: Thinking Projects Right from the Start – From Idea to Series Production
In Conversation with Manfred Hois: From Development and Prototyping to Industrialization and Manufacturing in the Electronics² Network
Bringing an electronics project successfully into volume production begins long before manufacturing. It is already during development that decisions are made about how quickly an idea can be validated, what impact technical decisions will have on later production, and how risks relating to components, supply chains, or production ramp-up can be reduced at an early stage.
The EFX trade fair in Stuttgart brings together experts in electronics development, manufacturing, and future-proof production concepts. This is exactly where Electronics² comes in, with a seamless service offering within the Kontron Group, from the initial idea through prototyping and industrialization to volume production.
At EFX, Kontron Electronics, KATEK, and Kontron Automotive bring the core competencies of the Electronics² network to life. Visitors can discuss specific project challenges, from the initial circuit design concept through manufacturing, test strategy, and production ramp-up.
Mr. Hois, why is Electronics² exhibiting at EFX?
Manfred Hois:
The EFX is an excellent fit for our approach because it focuses on the key question: How does a good idea become a successful, future-proof product for volume production? The challenge lies not only in development, but also in the competitive transfer into production. That is why at Electronics² we look at the entire electronics lifecycle, from the initial idea through prototyping and production-oriented validation to volume production. In this way, we make risks visible at an early stage and create the basis for stable, economical, and scalable manufacturing processes.
What does Electronics² stand for?
Manfred Hois:
Electronics² stands for the industrialization of sophisticated electronics projects. To achieve this, the network combines the competencies of the Kontron Group across the entire product lifecycle into a seamless service offering, from development and prototyping to volume production and system integration, all the way to lifecycle support and a global presence.
The special added value lies in the early interaction of all disciplines. This makes risks visible at an early stage, enables more efficient process integration, and shortens time-to-market. The foundation for this is transparent and collaborative cooperation with customers.
Why is this integrated approach so relevant today?
Manfred Hois:
Electronics products are becoming increasingly complex. They must not only be powerful, secure, and reliable, but also economically manufacturable. At the same time, requirements regarding cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, sustainability, material availability, and resilient global supply chains are increasing.
When development and manufacturing come together too late, unnecessary iterations and additional costs arise. Typical challenges include the long-term availability of components or designs that can only be industrialized economically with considerable effort.
Which companies and brands from the Electronics² network will be represented at EFX?
Manfred Hois:
At EFX, Kontron Electronics, with its beflex brand for rapid prototyping, KATEK, and Kontron Automotive demonstrate how Electronics² connects the entire value chain.
Kontron Electronics contributes customer-specific electronics development, industrialization, low- and medium-volume production, as well as its own product solutions to the network; the beflex brand stands for rapid prototyping and the production of initial electronic assemblies; within the network, KATEK represents high-volume manufacturing, stable and automated processes, and the economical production of large quantities. This also includes development services in the areas of hardware, software, and mechanics. Kontron Automotive expands the network with comprehensive volume production expertise for sophisticated electronics solutions, such as 5G Automotive Network Access Devices and 5G Industrial M.2 communication modules.
What does the international network mean for customers?
Manfred Hois:
Many companies want to make their supply chains more resilient and reduce dependencies. At the same time, costs, quality, delivery times, and proximity to local markets must align.
With locations in Europe and the Americas, as well as Ennoconn in Asia, Electronics² can address different market requirements. For internationally active customers, this creates additional options: shorter distances, greater responsiveness, and reliable contacts in key target markets.
What role does security play in modern electronics projects?
Manfred Hois:
Security is an integral part of electronic products. Connected systems must not only function reliably but also be protected against cyber risks, from architecture and software to hardware, manufacturing, and operation.
Particularly in the embedded sector, security should be considered at an early stage. Secure Boot, hardware-based encryption, and hardened system architectures help to reduce risks already during development. At the same time, the production environment is also receiving greater attention: when firmware, certificates, cryptographic keys, or device identities are provisioned during manufacturing, processes, access controls, and data flows must be secured accordingly. ISO 27001 is becoming increasingly relevant in this context because the standard systematically anchors information security, organizationally, technically, and through clearly defined processes.
Regulatory requirements are also becoming more specific: since 11 September 2026, reporting obligations for actively exploited vulnerabilities and severe security incidents have applied under the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA); the CRA will become fully applicable from 11 December 2027.
What will visitors take away from their conversations with Electronics² at EFX?
Manfred Hois:
In discussions with us, visitors will learn how we can implement their electronics projects holistically, with a single point of contact. During these discussions, key project decisions are evaluated together: design for manufacturing, suitable components, appropriate test concepts, as well as the impact on quality, costs, and scalability. Electronics² views DFM and DTC as a collaborative process, shaped by a medium-sized business mindset, practical experience, and the goal of bringing products into volume production reliably and economically.
Anyone who comes to EFX with an idea or a technical challenge can discuss the next implementation steps directly with Electronics².
An additional highlight will follow on Wednesday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the EFX Bar: In the presentation “5G – From Development and Production to a Volume Product”, Kontron will demonstrate how 5G modules are consistently developed and brought into volume production in Germany, with particular relevance for automotive and industrial applications.
Conclusion: Electronics² Makes Electronics Projects Ready for Volume Production and the Future