Sponsored by
This then endangers the lifecycle support and viability of equipment and systems, as components are superseded by the next generation and must be designed out. On top of this, demanding specs (often with associated qualification and approvals), the high-reliability (hi-rel) components required and the mission-critical nature of most defence applications means there are often limited alternatives available that can perform at the level or for the length of time required.
Supply chain resilience
The last few years have further highlighted vulnerabilities, risks and fragilities in the complex global supply chains we all now rely on. The lockdowns and unprecedented global shock of COVID-19 have obviously been a significant factor (especially for supply chains that have become over-reliant on East Asia) – but other disruptions have also become more frequent and severe. These have included natural disasters (from wildfires and ice storms to droughts, earthquakes and floods), plant fires, shipping lane blockages, escalating US-China trade tensions – and even Brexit, unbalancing finely tuned just-in-time supply chains. Russia’s war in Ukraine has added soaring energy costs and escalating concerns about energy security, as well as restricting access to raw materials, components and services from either region.
As a result, governments, corporations and the defence industry alike have acquired a renewed appreciation of the critical nature of healthy, resilient, diverse and secure supply chains. This was reflected in a recent US DOD (Department of Defense) report, ‘Securing Defense-Critical Supply Chains’, an action plan formulated in response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14017 (America’s Supply Chains). In the UK, the MOD (Ministry of Defence) has also launched its own Defence
Supply Chain Strategy, addressing the same challenges.
Specialist independent distributors As defence and aerospace procurement teams seek to manage these complex supply chain challenges – and with broadline and franchise distributors more regularly now experiencing and quoting excessive lead times – firms are increasingly turning to brokers and specialist independent distributors. Princeps provides traceable electronic, electro-mechanical and electrical (EEE) components to OEMs and suppliers in aerospace and defence (as well as other hi-rel and advanced industries). And when traceable parts are not an option – either because they are obsolete, unavailable or subject to excessively long lead times – Princeps offers a range of risk-mitigated options for sourcing and testing open market parts supplied under its certified Counterfeit Mitigation Plan.
Princeps holds both AS9120 and AS6081 accreditations (with extensive in-house testing and inspection capabilities) and offers assured counterfeit mitigation and obsolescence management, as well as kitting and vendor tail management services, specialising in difficult-to-source EEE components and problem-solving of complex and challenging supply chain issues.
AS9120 and AS6081 certifications provide a robust best practice framework of risk management for specialist independent distributors operating in the aerospace, defence and security sectors. AS9120, the aviation industry’s quality management standard for distributors, ensures compliance with stringent regulations and satisfies customer flow downs (including AS5553), while AS6081 focuses specifically on counterfeit avoidance. By adhering to these standards, distributors can establish
Distribution
and demonstrate effective quality control measures, helping customers assure product safety, efficiency and reliability by guaranteeing that the components sourced from them are genuine, as well as guarding against the infiltration of fraudulent, counterfeit or substandard parts into the aerospace and defence supply chain. The risks that counterfeit or fraudulent electronic components pose should not be underestimated and continue to be a significant and increasing problem for procurement managers, especially during ongoing component shortages. As one of only a handful of UK-based distributors to hold the AS6081 accreditation, Princeps has invested heavily in its testing and verification laboratory, recently adding £150,000 worth of new equipment.
“Even with our stringent procedures and in-depth knowledge of the global components marketplace, we are uncovering an average of one or two fraudulent or counterfeit items every month,” warns Ian Walker, Princeps operations director. “This demonstrates the level of vigilance
www.cieonline.co.uk
necessary, especially when trying to source obsolete parts. When sourcing through Princeps, customers are assured of component authenticity through a range of risk mitigation solutions, including fully bespoke test and inspection plans following AS6081, AS6171 or any of the other methodologies available.”
Summary
Specialist independent distributors, armed with AS9120 and AS6081 certifications, are proving indispensable in addressing the complex supply chain challenges faced by OEMs, integrators and suppliers in aerospace and defence industries. Their ability to source and deliver electronic components in a safe, trusted and secure manner – mitigating risk, verifying authenticity and assuring supply – for platforms with service lives spanning decades can help defence contractors overcome DMSMS and obsolescence challenges, ensuring continued operational readiness of vital high reliability and mission critical systems.
https://princeps.co.uk Components in Electronics March 2024 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62
