The Avnet Inc. that just closed fiscal 2017 is significantly different from the Avnet of a year ago. Following a rollercoaster ride of M&A, executive turnover and internal-systems challenges, Avnet ended Q4 with sales up 16.1 percent year-over-year. Driven by organic growth of 8.4 percent, Avnet’s Q4 revenue reached of $4.6 billion from $3.9 billion…
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One person’s genius idea is another person’s killer gadget, at least if you are cruising around the Kickstarter crowdsourcing platform. We found nearly dozen gadget projects that are just days or weeks away from being funded. Which do you think would make your life better? Gadgets, whether pricey or inexpensive, are devices or accessories that…
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With the incoming of each new presidential administration, changes are implemented within the first months that impact the country and its citizens for years to come. Due to the United States’ influence on international politics and the global economy, these changes extend outward to the rest of the world as well, particularly to trade partners…
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In the electronics supply chain, component date codes are ubiquitous. Similar in concept to the “use or sell by” date on perishable super-market items, date codes are an indicator that a part may be too old to perform to spec. Electronic components do have a shelf-life. Metals in components can corrode. Moisture and electro-static discharge…
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Today, Oracle has announced Release 13 of its Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) Cloud offering, aimed addressing the need for flexibility, collaboration, and customer-oriented focus that high-tech supply chains want to remain competitive and agile in the face of market volatility. In addition, the solution has the potential to help increase margins, reduce inventory costs,…
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It’s been awhile since global distributors have touted their component fulfillment services in lieu of design. However, with some component lead times extending into Q1 2018, OEMs would be “a little more comfortable” with more inventory, said one channel executive. “Customers are largely getting what they want,” Mike Long, CEO of global distributor Arrow Electronics…
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The Internet of Things (IoT) enables physical and virtual objects to connect with each other via cloud technology and exchange data and information. With rapid technological advancements and increasing dependence on technology, it is evident that the concept of IoTwill only expand. Increased research and development (R&D) in the field of IoT in terms of…
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For electronics OEMs hoping to leverage the supply chain as a strategic advantage, a study of the use of renewable energy may be the next place to innovate. By replacing oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power with renewable energy sources, such as solar, biomass, hydro, or wind, organizations can position themselves as good corporate…
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Using published formulas for marketing investment levels is sort of like using online driving directions. They could work. But do they take into account variables like construction, weather conditions, accidents or commute hours? How often have you been jammed after using online driving advice? Similarly, I'm warning against applying formulaic calculations for establishing marketing…
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Warranty fraud seems to be a fact of life. If your business is like many electronics companies, you’ve had plenty of customers avoid service charges by having faulty products repaired at no cost without active warranties. You’ve had them obtain products for free by claiming, and sometimes re-selling, replacement parts/products without returning broken ones. So,…
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