Focus: AI and Distribution


Scaling intelligence across the electronics value chain


By Dan Ford, VP Sales and Services EMEA, Farnell Global


Insights 2026 survey confirms what many in the electronics sector are already experiencing: AI is now embedded in functioning products, and adoption is accelerating across EMEA. Globally, 56% of engineers report


A


shipping AI-enabled products – this is a 33% increase year on year. Across EMEA, the momentum is clear, although adoption varies by market maturity and industrial focus. What is consistent, however, is that AI is reshaping not only product design, but also the expectations placed on the distribution ecosystem.


From proof of concept to production reality AI integration has transitioned from isolated pilot projects to production scale deployment. Engineers are increasingly combining Edge AI and machine learning to deliver enhanced functionality, performance and system efficiency. Nearly all respondents (96%) expect AI- powered tools to significantly influence product development over the next three to five years. As AI systems scale up, the complexity


of design and sourcing increases, too. High-performance processors, advanced connectivity modules, intelligent sensors and greater memory density are becoming standard requirements. At the same time, engineers must address practical challenges identified in the survey, which are data quality, integration with existing toolchains and cost control. This shift has direct effects on the distribution sector.


08 May 2026 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


rtificial intelligence (AI) has moved decisively beyond experimentation. The Avnet


In an AI-driven


environment, the fundamentals of distrubution remain essential but no longer suffi cient


The expanding role of distribution Distribution has traditionally been evaluated on availability, pricing and logistics. In an AI-driven environment, those fundamentals remain essential but no longer sufficient. This is because AI- enabled designs require greater visibility into component roadmaps, technical validation across broader ecosystems, rapid access to evaluation kits and development platforms, and long-term lifecycle planning for complex systems. As AI moves into production,


operational considerations become equally critical. Continuous learning and maintenance were identified by 54% of respondents as key production concerns, whilst sustainability remains a priority for 43%. T ese fi ndings refl ect a broader reality:


AI systems are dynamic. T ey evolve over time, requiring fi rmware updates, data retraining and integration across connected infrastructures. Distribution partners must therefore support not only initial sourcing, but ongoing lifecycle management.


Intelligence inside the supply chain AI is also transforming distribution operations internally. Predictive analytics, demand forecasting


algorithms and intelligent inventory management tools are improving supply chain responsiveness. In a market environment where production schedules are accelerating and customer expectations are rising, the ability to anticipate demand fluctuations is increasingly valuable. This way, AI-driven digital platforms


enhance the customer experience by recommending complementary components during design selection, improving search accuracy through semantic and contextual filtering, and analysing historical purchasing patterns to optimise stock positioning. These capabilities reduce friction in the design process and shorten development cycles, both of which are essential as AI- enabled products move more rapidly from concept to market.


Edge AI and multi-modal systems The results from the Avnet Insights 2026 survey also highlight the growing adoption of multi-modal AI architectures that combine Edge AI with cloud- based learning models. This evolution creates new technical demands across the value chain. Edge deployments require energy-efficient processors, low- latency connectivity and robust thermal management. Designers must balance performance with sustainability and regulatory compliance – particularly across European markets. Distribution partners play a pivotal role in aligning these technical requirements with practical sourcing strategies.


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