In a recent Design007 Survey, we asked the following question: What is the most important feedback that you receive after your board is manufactured? Here are just a few of the answers, edited slightly for clarity:

Karl Bates, ConnectPCB: Clearance is less than I expect, copper balance, and thieving.

Chand Basha M, Anora Semiconductor: We could not plate the board to required plating thickness. We had to reduce few pad sizes to adjust the fabrication process. A few mechanicals in the design are altered slightly due to capability issues.

Jim Pierce, Axiom Electronics: Impedance specifications, testing results, and documentation.

The best way to create a solid and productive partnership with your PCB supplier—and all of your suppliers for that matter—is to keep an open line of communication with them. No matter what kind of relationship you currently have with your suppliers, you can never communicate enough. Let them know at all times what you need from them.