I’ve always been skeptical about the added value of those many weeks spent trying to renegotiate and obtain fair prices for the electronic components we purchase. Given the number of references, it looks more like inefficient data exchange sessions than real negotiations to seek win-win situations. However, this is likely to change, and that’s truly…
Whether you know it as the “fourth industrial revolution” or industry 4.0, there is no denying that a fundamental shift in the supply chain is changing the way manufacturing and distribution industries operate. These sectors must undertake major digital transformations to remain competitive. Most strategies go beyond simple automation and straightforward technology implementation. A recent…
At its inception, the Global 450 Consortium (G450C), a New York-based public/private program with a goal of building the 450mm wafer and equipment development environment , was a promising sign. As I wrote at that time: This collaboration is first step forward by the global semiconductor industry to ensure a steady supply of 450mm diameter…
The world is changing. We have already seen customer expectations pushing manufacturers toward shorter lead times, higher customization and these expectations are putting stress on global supply chains. As we move throughout 2017, the anticipated impact of Brexit and of the stated “America First” agenda of the Trump administration is getting more and more attention.…
The Supply Chain Funding Index (SCFI) strives to measures the existing and forecasted condition of the UK’s supply chains, considering its strength, payment, and credit terms and forecasted growth. The most recent results point to a slight decline in the past year. Over the past six months, the SCFI saw decline and weakness across all…
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the U.S. White House has issued a memorandum announcing the future mandating of electronic invoices for government suppliers by end of fiscal year 2018. Since that announcement, we have seen a new administration take over government in the USA and the UK has started its Brexit negotiation…
The end of this month marks the one-year anniversary of the referendum when British public decided, by a narrow majority, to leave the European Union, the so called Brexit. The unexpected result has triggered a series of events that affect the future of Britain’s economy and its relationship with the rest of Europe. The pro-Brexit…
While some may consider economics ‘the dismal science’, its importance in how we manage our supply chains cannot be understated. Yet, we seem to be more comfortable discussing Tom Brady’s quarterback rating or Chris Sale’s earned run average (sorry, I’m in Boston) than in understanding how the unemployment rate impacts labor costs, how housing starts…
I remember my first year in the electronic industry. I had been recruited as the manufacturing and logistics director of the Sagemcom set-top-box division. At that time, back in 2008, our growth was steady and shortages were our daily bread. We were putting a lot of pressure on the semiconductor manufacturers to get the components…
Costs can sneak up if these things are left unchecked. Here’s what they are and how to address them. When it comes to your supply chain, even the slightest redundant inefficiency can compound over time to create significantly increased costs. That’s why it is vitally important to stay attuned to the nuances of your supply…