Distribution
From prototype to final product: Ensuring traceability in the electronic components supply chain
T
oday’s culture demands greater transparency and information from brands than ever before. Whether it’s
food, beauty, automotive, or electronic components – customers want to know where their products are from and what they’re made of. They also want to know more about the companies they support – their operating procedures, the way they treat their employees, their commitment to sustainability, and more. At Digi-Key, we share our customer’s desire for transparency and information. And when it comes to our suppliers, we demand the same type of information that our customers need from us. Traceability is information provided by manufacturers such as date codes, lot numbers, or serial numbers, so that anyone in the whole supply chain can trace components back to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) should anything go wrong. Many have compared it to the “farm to fork” model of the food industry. Within the electronic components industry, traceability is quickly becoming a bigger focus than ever before. The importance of traceability in the
electronic components supply chain cannot be understated. First, in an era where competition is stiff and gaining consumer confidence is vital, traceability is critical to protecting a brand’s reputation. If a product is recalled or a malfunction occurs during testing, being able to trace the issue back to the manufacturer accurately and quickly can mean the difference between reaffirming customer trust or ruining reputation. As the IoT realm continues to grow, and within the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries, the need for greater traceability is increasingly important. In addition to bolstering and maintaining a brand’s reputation, sourcing traceable products can also save companies a considerable amount of money. If any faults arise with a product, the OEM or subcontractor can get a recall notice out quickly – reducing legal costs and mitigating profit loss. Defects with genuine products can also be quarantined much easier than in counterfeit parts, curbing the amount of manpower and time spent on correcting an issue. While discussions and demand for traceability continues to grow, Digi-Key’s commitment to them is not. All of our products are genuine, and we only buy direct from the 800+ franchised manufacturers we carry in order to ensure
24 November 2019
By Mark Laing, regional business development manager at Digi-Key Electronics
the component is new, authentic, and fully warrantable under the direct supplier, and that accurate, up-to-date technical information is readily available. For each of our more than 8.2 million components, Digi-Key holds documentation valid for 10 years that proves the traceability of the part and its authenticity. These certificates are readily available to any customer upon request. Additionally, each of our 800 vendors undergoes a thorough process when we bring them on to ensure traceability. They fill out initial
documentation, we determine whether the product is authentic, and ensure that accurate up-to-date technical information is readily available. As a result of this process and commitment, we are able to distribute our components with confidence and ensure our customers the highest standard of traceability.
This autumn we took it one step further and became one of the only distributors worldwide to be certified to the Counterfeit Avoidance Accreditation Program (CAAP). This proves our
Components in Electronics
counterfeit controls have been verified by an external auditing company and ensures our components are compliant to Aerospace Standard AS6496. Digi-Key also has controls for disposition, inventory control, receiving, and customer returns verification developed to adhere to the AS6496 counterfeit avoidance and mitigation certification. In the event that suspect or confirmed counterfeit product is identified in the supply chain, Digi-Key has processes in place to quarantine the product, and report the findings to the supplier, relevant customers and appropriate authorities. In addition to the CAAP, we also maintain the ISO 9001:2015, which certifies the purchasing, warehousing and distribution of electronic components and computer products to original equipment manufacturers and/or customer specifications; including technical support and value-added processes. In other words, not only do we pursue transparency in our components, but also in our business practices and customer service.
Digi-Key is proud to have a growing number of SKUs and suppliers, but our heart and soul remains the same: to support the engineer. One of the most important ways we can do that is by ensuring they have access to the highest quality components on the market. Here at Digi-Key, we’re excited about the growing dialogue around traceability and the greater demand for authentic products. We look forward to continuing to equip engineers and makers across the globe with products that are 100 percent traceable – from prototype to final product. Mark Laing is regional business development manager at Digi-Key Electronics, where he is responsible for the United Kingdom and Ireland region. Digi- Key is one of the world’s largest, full- service distributors of electronics components, offering more than 8.2 million products with over 1.8 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from more than 800 quality, name-brand manufacturers.
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