Distribution
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Navigating customer demand and how to stay ahead
By Paul Bentley, managing director, GD Rectifiers T
he electronic components industry has been on a turbulent journey over the past couple of years, first with Brexit causing transportation issues followed by the Covid
pandemic causing a halt to global production and creating component shortages just when demand finally started to increase. Most electronic component lead times have or are certainly starting to level out, whilst semiconductor lead times are still being quoted up to 52 weeks due to demand from manufacturing industries, specifically the automotive market.
Other macroeconomic changes have also influenced the industry, from the rise in inflation and consequent prices, interest rates, the cost of living and in particular soaring utility bills which can typically impact consumer confidence and lead to a slowdown in the global economy.
Despite the recent challenges the industry has faced, the electronics industry has shown resilience, with product development still flourishing, with the latest technology in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, wearable medical devices, IoT and industrial automation coming to fruition.
Managing inventory
At times like these, managing stock is crucial for customers, inventory needs to be managed efficiently whether it’s on site or handled remotely. Consider these eight tips to ensure stock is managed efficiently:
1. Place a scheduled order 2. Partner with a distributor that can hold your inventory on-site
3. Choose a distributor that is transparent with market conditions
4. Ask your distributor how you can best manage your current stock, including buffering stock options
5. Nurture relationships with your distributor and use them as an extension to your business
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6. Analyse demand and previous purchasing patterns to develop a forecast, but also consider buffer stock in case you need to pull parts in quicker
7. Build up stock and extend order cover as far as possible
8. Use brokers as a last resort
Navigate changes and address them quickly
The recent supply chain issues have highlighted the benefit to design engineers in designing parts that can be multi-sourced. Often with semiconductors it’s extremely difficult to design multiple parts from a wide range of manufacturers. It’s a time-consuming job on the off chance you would need to multi-source, however in times like these it’s extremely beneficial. It’s also key to work with a distributor that has the technical expertise and strong relationships with manufacturers to be able to design-in products for their customers or offer suitable alternatives from stock quickly. Ask to receive product discontinuation notices and keep track of when your devices are set to be discontinued, ensuring you partner with your distributor to put a new sourcing plan in place.
Flexible online tools
With a strong customer focus on online design tools, GD Rectifiers recently invested
Components in Electronics
in design and component sourcing tools to make it even easier for customers to find the components they need. The design tools on the new website include semiconductor and fuse finder tools, stock list, parts list and a compare tool. The services section highlights the wide range of tailor-made services offered, including design support, purchasing assistance and account management. Design support services include heatsinks design and selection, R&D, assembly design and selection, custom designed solutions, and traction refurbishments. A range of purchasing assistance services provide customers with support on component sourcing, component obsolescence, requesting quotes, CNC machining and a large range of contract manufacturing services. Time-saving account management solutions offer packaging support, custom and flexible ordering solutions, and a download centre. These tools connect customers to the designs, technology, and products they need quickly.
Alleviate supply chain issues Forward planning and early scheduling will help reduce delays on projects, ensuring business continuity. Customers that adopt this approach are likely to see little disruption to their supply chain thanks to their robust forward ordering.
Distributors will offer a large range of flexible purchasing solutions and will work closely with customers to relieve supply chain issues by offering:
1. Forecasting requirements 2. Flexible purchasing solutions 3. Dedicated technical support 4. Sourcing alternative components from the same manufacturers
5. The ability to pull in stock quickly from call-off or scheduled orders
6. Offer alternative parts from a different manufacturer
Partner with a reliable distributor GD Rectifiers, for example, has worked successfully with multiple OEMs, SMEs, and start-ups around the world to supply power electronic components at competitive prices, with fast delivery and expert technical support.
We’re confident that we’ll have the part you need or, if not, a direct replacement. Whether buyers are looking for an unusual package resistance value, tolerances beyond the datasheet, or specialist terminations, GD Rectifiers is a custom power specialist and can offer a bespoke solution for your requirements.
www.gdrectifiers.co.uk www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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