When the supply chain is squeezed, how do you find parts that are already elusive? Picture this: You are an electronics OEM working in defense/aerospace, medical, telecom, or the industrial controls sectors – where a large part of your bill of materials (BOM) consists of mature devices. In your world, manufacturers’ product discontinuance notices (PDNs)…
A year into the semiconductor shortage, automakers are adjusting their sourcing relationships
Editor’s note: Earlier this year the Special Projects team at AspenCore Media began compiling articles for a comprehensive report on the electronics supply chain. Although that project was delayed — this is the supply chain, after all — the content provides an in-depth snapshot of the year that was. This is part of our Special…
The electronics industry’s outlook for the rest of the year differs significantly from the overall U.S. manufacturing sector. The ECIA reports a steep decline in sales sentiment for December. That would bring the ECIA’s sales index below its baseline of 100 for the first time in 18 months. By contrast, the overall U.S. manufacturing sector…
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) is not commenting on changes in its distribution network now that the acquisition of Maxim Integrated Products has been finalized. But Phil Gallagher, CEO of distributor Avnet Inc., is addressing the merger for the first time since Maxim dropped two of its global broadline distributors, Avnet and one unconfirmed company. “The…
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with a statement from Avnet. Maxim Integrated Products, which was officially acquired by Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) in August, is discontinuing its relationship with distributor Avnet Inc. Maxim accounted for roughly 3 percent of Avnet’s fiscal 2021 sales of $19.5 billion. The transition will take place over the…
Some of 2020’s challenges were keenly felt throughout supply chains, and many could result in lasting changes to workflows and processes. Reducing uncertainties while boosting efficiency and shrinking turnaround times requires a set of modern supply chain and logistics tools. That means leveraging automation. Recent events helped drive home the need for a more resilient…
In 2001, there was so much excess component inventory in the supply chain that more than $13 billion worth of semiconductors alone was written down or off by component makers, distributors and customers. People still wince at the memory. In 2021, there’s such a severe shortage of semiconductors that the automotive industry is set to…
The risk of procuring counterfeit electronics rises considerably during periods of component shortages. With semiconductor supplies remaining tight through the end of 2022, the industry faces a prolonged interval of increased risk. Industry sources have used the word “desperate” to describe the current shortage situation. When a high-priced product such as an automobile can’t be…
Long-term demand for electronic components remains robust although sales expectations for the third and fourth quarters have moderated, according to the ECIA. Concerns and uncertainty related to the economy, inflationary pressure and the resurgence of Covid-19 with potential shutdowns could account for the continuing shift of sentiment, said Chief Economist Dale Ford in a release.…