Te key here is value rather than one specific driver. Price is always an important topic and we always strive to provide the right product with excellent quality and support for the right price. However, over the last few years it has become clear a disrupted supply chain forms a much more serious threat to business than anticipated.


We see customers now looking at long term planning with a very different eye. We also went through a steep learning curve which resulted in some new approaches in the field of inventory control. Most important is working very closely with customers on this new awareness, and for this Advantech's management of supply is highly recognised and appreciated.


Limited supplies of semi-conductors created a sellers’ market during the pandemic. How did you maintain relationships with customers during a tricky period that saw stocks fall and prices gouged?


Correct. Te last two years were very challenging for our market, but by working with our customers on planning and forecasting we’ve been able to deliver most of the demanded products into the industry on time. Tis situation has strengthened our relationship with customers and has proven Advantech as a stable and trustworthy partner in the business.


How has this relationship changed since we’ve emerged from Covid?


Te supply challenge that went in hand with the semi-conductor shortage has raised the bar for supply chain management and it was good to see our customers welcome our expertise and support in these processes. As a result, we are proud to be in a position where we can answer a significant rise in demand from our customers after emerging from Covid.


How much pent-up demand remains in the market? Is everyone waiting to show products and take orders at ICE - or has demand already been satiated?


Te 2023 outlook so far is looking positive for Advantech and we will continue to work with our customer base to avoid further surprises. Our customers have been showcasing a record- breaking number of new designs at ICE with great expectations, so we therefore also anticipate an increase in demand for the second half of 2023.


Intel launched its 13th-Gen processors in September, and in January Advantech announced integration into its latest products. What does this mean for customers in 2023?


Te latest generation shows another step up in performance, in both computing and graphic power. Tis could mean, in certain configurations, lower value CPU’s can offer enough performance compared to previous gen models. Tis obviously represents a reduction in costs.


“The ability to add AI at a reasonable cost into edge


devices is going to be a game changer for the market.


Adding typical AI functionality without relying on high bandwidth and high-cost


cloud connected solutions will change the way that operators and players interact with machines. These can lead to new business models and revenue streams.


Together with our technology partners and motivated staff of over 8,000 Advantech


colleagues around the world we will show the way and deliver!”


Stronger integrated graphics capabilities also could make dedicated graphic cards redundant, not only another significant route to cost down but also reducing power consumption. Stronger performance also opens the way for new applications, with 8K resolution coming our way or use of level one artificial intelligence for software such as member management or object recognition.


What are your predictions for 2023?


It’s fair to say 2022 was a record-breaking year with excellent business performance in growth and revenue. Our leading position has only gotten stronger and will help us in the next year.


A year that will no doubt see some new challenges despite a very promising pipeline and an extremely healthy order book. It is already obvious that Edge AI solutions will start playing a much larger role and we know we are equipped and ready to serve these requirements.


Te ability to add AI at a reasonable cost into edge devices is going to be a game changer for the market. Adding typical AI functionality without relying on high bandwidth and high- cost cloud connected solutions will change the way that operators and players interact with machines. Tese can lead to new business models and revenue streams.


Together with our technology partners and motivated staff of over 8,000 Advantech colleagues around the world we will show the way and deliver!


David Giles David Giles European Product Division Leader, Advantech IDS


“Lead times for display


components is reducing to six- eight weeks, which is where it was pre-pandemic. In terms of business levels, we are back above pre-pandemic levels.


We very rarely stock items and make to order, they are expensive to stock and to


make without a customer for them. The vast majority of or sales are for custom or semi- custom products with specific requirements.”


To complement the dedicated gaming hardware, Advantech's Industrial Display Solutions (IDS) was also showcasing the latest display technologies on offer. David Giles, European Product Division Leader, explained how IDS is tailoring its products for the specific requirements of the gaming industry.


Dave, how does IDS work within the Advantech- Innocore offering?


If you look around the show, you’ll see all the cabinets and terminals have some form of display or displays. It’s our gaming boards that are driving the displays, LEDs, and payment mechanisms, so when our gaming division sell boards into the manufacturers, that’s a good opportunity for us to sell our displays at the same time.


As you can see from our exhibition stand, we have a range of C-curved and J-curved displays which go hand in hand with gaming terminals. For several years this has been the popular way to go, but I think this is changing because costs are high for these displays. A lot of vendors have moved to dual or triple 27ins. or 32ins. sets instead that can save 30 per cent+ on display outlay, but at the sacrifice of aesthetics.


What are the specific display requirements of the gaming industry - and how does IDS tailor its products for clients?


Bending screens is time consuming for manufacturers and makes curved displays an expensive item. Walking around the show floor you’ll notice many manufacturers are opting for three flat screens to make a pseudo curve shape,


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