Communicate demand early
In the March issue of Electronics Sourcing UK & Ireland, ECIA has written a fascinating article exploring the difference between component lead time versus cycle time. What it highlights in detail is the time it takes to actually manufacture a semiconductor device and how the part’s complexity impacts that timescale. I hazard a guess that not all electronics purchasing professionals will have an in depth understanding of semiconductor fabrication, packaging and test processes, including the time taken for each step. I certainly don’t. However, having read this article, I now have a lens through which I can appreciate the number…
Two months until data gold
Electronics Sourcing North America is just two issues away from supply chain data gold in the form of the extensive, annual Top 50 Report. Everyone is asking me what the results will be but I refuse to comment. More broadly, I have spent the last two months sifting through generic market data from all corners of the globe so I have a rough idea of what to expect. However, rather than speculate on the Report, I choose to await its arrival. What I will do is explore one key process impacting electronics supply in 2025 which will certainly inform the…
AI, driven from the top
Starting page 21 of January’s issue, Edgewater Research Company’s Dennis Reed walks readers through the latest market research, including sector analysis across compute, automotive and industrial. As I expected, the research includes many references to artificial intelligence with one section saying: ‘We are forecasting outperformance in memory and logic, projecting plus 25 per cent and 10 per cent growth respectively driven by continued AI buildouts’. When I discuss the long term expectations of AI with friends, family, industry and academia, the range of opinions is unfathomably wide. At one end of the scale, some are worried about swarms of…
Both certain and uncertain about the future
So, I’ve read all the Executive Forecasts and read them again. Using my newfound knowledge, if I had to compare the electronics industry in 2025 with an internal combustion engine it would be a performance V8 with ‘artificial intelligence powered’ super charger, yet it would also be misfiring on a cylinder and suffering from an annoying intermittent fault. All in all, the industry is poised for significant activity but hamstrung by uncertainty caused by variables beyond any company’s direct control. Strangely, I simultaneously feel both certain and uncertain about the future. I have complete confidence that human ingenuity and resulting innovation will…
Strengths and opportunities: 2025
As this is the last issue of Electronics Sourcing Europe for 2024, I thought it was the ideal opportunity to share my thoughts on the strengths and opportunities underpinning European manufacturing as we shift into gear for 2025. As expected, strengths remain technological innovation and global leadership in sectors including automotive, industrial automation and medical devices. European countries are continuing to invest in research and development, while regional policies such as the EU Green Deal are helping target investments at renewables, efficiency and environmentally conscious electronics: all of which align with global R&D efforts. Europe also benefits from a skilled…
Have your say on the future of distribution
The December issue of Electronics Sourcing North America will be dedicated to the Executive Forecast feature which will provide insightful articles where leading industry voices share their perspectives on the future of the electronics distribution market for the coming 12 months. Driven by the rapid pace of product innovation and ongoing shifts in supply chain dynamics, understanding what lies ahead is crucial for electronics purchasing professionals. This feature will explore trends, opportunities and challenges as anticipated by leaders across distribution, component manufacturing and electronics manufacturing services. Potential issues for discussion range from inventory holdings and shipping delays to geopolitical instability…