NEDA CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Don't get stuck
When your supplier is out of stock, are you stuck for a quality alternative? Buyers who want a reliable solution should look for the NEDA logo
Koehlke Components’ Thomas Koehlke
Signs of the recovery are increasingly visible in the electronic components industry. OEMsourcing managers are being asked to domore with less, accompanied by a strong demand to bring products tomarket faster. Meanwhile, manufacturers are hesitant to quickly increase capacity, fearing a false recovery. Therefore, it is inevitable
this economic strengthening is creatingmore demand than supply and, as a result, standard deliveries are being pushed.
For an OEMsourcingmanager, thismaymean a need to diversify
suppliers in an atmosphere of shrinking AVLs. In an already busy role, it becomes a scramble to find the distributor who has the parts available in the quality, quantity and lead time required. When seeking sources, quality should be amajor consideration. This is one reason third-party quality accreditation is valuable. At minimum, a distributor should be qualified to ISO 9001. Certification to AS 9100 is also recommended.
Beyond certifications, a reputable distributor will invest in
professionalmemberships to demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices. For example,membership with the National Association of Electronics Distributors (NEDA) ensures that distributor is a contractually-authorized source. According to NEDA: “specifiers and buyers who want first-quality, fully warranted electronic components and reliable support should only trust a supplier authorized distributor”. Only these distributors can carry the NEDA distributor seal, as shown in the Koehlke Components ad on page 15.
For president of Koehlke Components, Thomas Koehlke: 14 | September 2010
“Becoming a NEDAmember was a logical next step following an overhaul of our quality programs.We invested time and resources to ensure top-quality products, through both our distribution sources and through ourmanufacturing capabilities. One way we showcased the results of our quality strategy was by becoming a NEDAmember.”
Another consideration of OEMsourcingmanagers is to focus on
small ormid-size distributors.With the economy still recovering, many of the largest players have focused primarily on the high- volume, largest customers.Many of the smaller distributors are happy to offer competitive pricing, extended terms, blanket orders andmany other programs that would bemutually beneficial.
Further, as distributors have expanded from fulfilling only off-
the shelf orders, to value added services, to designing or developing engineered solutions, many established distributors have insights from servicing both supply and demand sides of the electronics marketplace. These distributors can be a strategic OEMpartner. Look for established suppliers who hold quality certifications, offer a range of lines and have professional affiliations.
A sourcingmanager
who pays attention to details won't get stuck. It's worth remembering that logos showcasing third-party accreditation and affiliation represent the distributor’s investment in commitment, time and resources to assure they are worthy of trust.
www.koehlke.com www.electronics-sourcing.com
Koehlke Headquarters facility Franklin, OH
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