Feature
The power of traceability in
the semiconductor industry The future of semiconductor reliability and supply chain resilience
T
he semiconductor industry drives advancements in critical sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive and industrial automation. However, despite the transformative impact of semiconductors,
the industry’s logistics face signifi cant challenges, particularly in maintaining the continuity and reliability of supply chains. Traditional methods, notably “two-year date code” restrictions, struggle to meet modern traceability and quality assurance demands. When semiconductor date codes were introduced in the
1960s, the goal was to ensure the traceability of parts based on manufacturing or seal dates, processes, and bills of materials, along with a 2-to-3-year sell-by date. Historically, components were believed to become unusable aſt er their assigned date codes. However, date codes are no longer reliable indicators of component quality and may hinder the use of perfectly viable components. Over the past fi ve years, global supply chain pressures, just- in-time manufacturing and supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the limitations of existing practices. T is period triggered a crucial re-evaluation of traceability standards, as industries relied on legacy semiconductor components, challenging the strict enforcement of date codes while still maintaining component quality. T e evolution of traceability standards refl ects the
semiconductor industry’s ongoing eff orts to balance quality, reliability and effi ciency. Early practices such as two-year date codes were bound by the limitations of their time, but advancements in materials, processes and standards have rendered
16 October 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
such constraints obsolete. Today, robust traceability systems, supported by frameworks such as AS6496 and JEP160, provide a more eff ective approach to ensuring component reliability.
Traceability through authorised sources Traceability is not only important but essential for semiconductor reliability and supply chain resilience. T e most eff ective way to achieve it is by sourcing exclusively through authorised channels. Rochester Electronics provides the world’s largest continuous
inventory of semiconductors, over 15 billion devices from over 70 leading manufacturers, all 100% authorised, traceable and guaranteed. Every part is sourced directly from the original manufacturer, or produced by Rochester through continuing manufacturing rights, ensuring complete confi dence in authenticity and quality. Beyond supply, Rochester’s investments in advanced
warehousing, controlled environments and comprehensive component testing ensure that traceability is maintained from origin to delivery. Each device is supported by full manufacturer documentation, certifi cates of conformance and compliance with industry standards. T is authorised and verifi ed approach to traceability allows customers to reduce risks, avoid counterfeits and secure reliable products for mission-critical applications. By partnering with Rochester, customers can achieve true
supply chain resilience. With guaranteed authenticity, complete traceability and long-term availability, Rochester delivers the assurance industries need to support their most demanding applications now and into the future.
www.rocelec.com
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