The last two years have touched almost every supply chain imaginable. Even before the pandemic started in earnest, American manufacturers were already interested in reshoring. Back in 2019, manufacturers wanted to reduce their dependence on foreign markets and cut their carbon footprints. But now as demand for components continues to outpace supply — some analysts…
As artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities mature, an increasing number of businesses are investing in AI initiatives and leveraging automation in their daily business operations. This once leading-edge technology is becoming more ubiquitous and is quickly becoming an imperative to long-term success. In fact, analysts project the global AI market to grow from $47.5 billion in…
High-quality, highly reliable electronic products are realized through many devices and services coming together consistently and efficiently. One item is components; the individual parts that, together, comprise a bill of materials (BOM). Ideally, a BOM would be frozen once the engineering and purchasing departments have agreed on the parts and suppliers, respectively, needed to build…
For 16 months the U.S. manufacturing sector has expanded in spite of – rather than thanks to – the global supply chain. The U.S. PMI in September increased by 1.2 percent to 61.1, according to the Institute for Supply Management. However, concern regarding the semiconductor shortage reached its highest level so far this year, said…
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…
Several research firms describe the electronics market environment as “stable” entering the all-important calendar Q4. Lead times, for example, have leveled out, according to LevaData and the ECIA, and demand shows no sign of abating. However, logistics experts continue to point to seemingly endless backups at international seaports and retailers are bracing for holiday shipping…
Supply chain management has become an increasingly tech-centric process. Rapid digitization and widespread adoption of technologies like internet of things (IoT) devices have made logistics more efficient than ever but simultaneously introduced new risks. Consequently, supply chain cybersecurity should be at the forefront of your mind. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported a 42…
Supply chains had an unusually challenging year in 2020, one that will likely result in considerable changes. After the Covid-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions around the globe, logistics companies are taking new steps to prevent similar situations in the future. Data analytics is taking center stage amid all this change. Experts predict that the world…
The pace of U.S. manufacturing growth cooled a bit in July as factories continued to struggle with labor and supply constraints. But some pressures appear to be easing: prices paid by manufacturers declined 6.4 percent between June and July, according to the Institute for Supply Management, and factory employment increased. Overall, the nation’s PMI decreased…
Increased component prices are inevitable when demand outstrips supply. But the electronics supply chain is being hammered on all sides – from materials to logistics — with rising costs. As one freight expert put it: “In 2020 and 2021, global logistics just can’t seem to catch a break.” For months, the Institute for Supply Management…