It wasn't that long ago that the supply chain was worried about components shortages following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Now the pendulum has shifted: semiconductor inventories in the channel have risen to levels not seen since 2008. (See: Supply Chain Turmoil Looms.) The supply chain is entering a period that is going to…
Without question, most electronics manufacturers and parts vendors have all been solicited for their excess inventories by multiple entities, many of them using the same tired “shtick” in their approach. Along those same lines, we've all received offers on our excess inventory — whether it is for an entire lot or a specific part —…
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — America II Electronics, Inc., one of the world’s largest independent distributors of semiconductors and passive components, has entered into a global distribution agreement with Holy Stone Enterprise Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of ceramic and tantalum capacitors. Through this agreement, America II strengthens its product portfolio by adding a broad line of…
Stopping counterfeiting is a goal shared by everyone in the electronics supply chain except for those benefiting from the illegal activity. However, threats of fines can't do the job of ridding the industry of the practice. I believe that changes in processes can. This requires that our senators and other lawmakers understand a bit more…
Counterfeiting is a blot on the electronics industry, but as discussed in the first part of this blog, the tougher legislation proposed by the US Congress addresses the problem but will not eradicate the challenge manufacturers face. (See: Some Problems Can’t Be Penalized Away, Part 1.) Here's why. First, the pending legislation is written around…
ATLANTA — In a move to provide its customers with more protection from the growing threat of counterfeit and substandard electronic parts, World Micro, a global distributor of electronic components serving the medical electronics, commercial, military, and aerospace markets, has recently added XRF and high-volume X-ray to its in-house quality assurance capabilities. Its new technology…
You've got to hand it to any operation that can fake, not just a product, but an entire store. Five facilities in China purporting to be Apple Stores have been targeted by authorities as counterfeit. As it turns out, the stores weren't selling bogus products — the stores themselves were fake. They weren’t operating under…
How safe is the open market these days? US Customs' seizures of counterfeit products are skyrocketing, thanks to enhanced enforcement on our nation’s borders and increased industry awareness. However, the fact that seizures are up is just the tip of the iceberg: It is, at the same time, a reflection on a growing problem within…
What's in a name? Sometimes, the answer is: “More than we might think.” Consider the evolution of names and other terminologies in the world of automobile sales for example. First we had “used cars.” Then “pre-owned” and “previously owned.” Now, car dealers sell “certified pre-owned cars.” Yikes! Yes, these terms all refer to the same…