About Author

Simon Hinds

Simon is a supply chain executive with over 20 years of operational experience. He has worked in Europe and Asia Pacific, and is currently based in Australia. His experiences range from factory line leadership, supply chain systems and technology, commercial “last mile” supply chain and logistics, transformation and strategy for supply chains, and building capabilities in organisations. He is currently a supply chain director for a global manufacturing facility. Simon has written supply chain articles across the continuum of his experiences, and has a passion for how talent is developed, how strategy is turned into action, and how resilience is built into supply chains across the world.

Recent Articles

Strategies for Sourcing Hard To Find Electronic Components

Strategies for Sourcing Hard To Find Electronic Components Sourcing hard-to-find components can be a significant challenge. Whether due to supply chain disruptions, obsolescence, or sudden spikes in demand, the availability of critical electronic parts can impact production timelines and costs. This article explores four practical strategies for sourcing these elusive components, detailing their value-add and providing insights on when to use each approach. 1. Building Strong Relationships with Suppliers Read Article

Strikes, Hurricanes, and Typhoons vs Supply Chain

What To Do When Strikes, Hurricanes, and Typhoons Shut Down Your Supply Chain In our interconnected world, supply chains serve as the vital arteries of global trade. However, they are also highly vulnerable to disruptions from natural disasters like hurricanes and typhoons, as well as human factors such as strikes. These events can halt production, delay shipments, and lead to significant financial losses. Building a resilient supply chain is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity. This article explores key Read Article

Reshoring Supply Chain

When Reshoring Begins, How Does Your Supply Chain Adapt? In recent years, the concept of reshoring has gained significant traction as companies seek to bring their manufacturing and production operations back to their home countries. Reshoring, also referred to as onshoring or backshoring, involves bringing the production and manufacturing of goods back to the company’s home country. This trend is driven by a range of factors, including the desire to reduce transportation and production costs, improve Read Article

How Talent Becomes a Failure Point in Supply Chains

How Talent Becomes a Failure Point in Supply Chains Talent is the linchpin that holds everything together. However, talent can also become a failure point if not managed effectively. The article explores five key insights into how talent can become a failure point in supply chains and provides early indicator checklists for leaders to identify potential issues before they escalate. One significant challenge is the skills mismatch, where the workforce’s skills do not align with the evolving demands Read Article

When Should Buyers Consider Using a 3PL Platform

When Should Buyers Use a 3PL Platform? In the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing, sourcing components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) efficiently and cost-effectively is crucial. Buyers often face the challenge of managing complex supply chains, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining quality standards. One solution that has gained traction is the use of third-party logistics (3PL) platforms. But when should buyers consider using a 3PL platform? This article explores Read Article

The Benefits of a Circular Economy for Electronics

The Benefits of a Circular Economy for Electronics The concept of a circular economy for electronics is a transformative approach to production and consumption. It emphasizes the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic products to create a closed-loop system, minimizing waste and the use of finite resources. This article explores the key benefits of advancing a circular economy for electronics, and what this translates to in tangible measures (figure 1). It also covers actions Read Article

PLM System

When Does a Company Need to Start Using A PLM System? Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are integral to managing a product's lifecycle from inception through engineering design and manufacture to service and disposal. However, knowing when to implement a PLM system can be a challenge for growing companies. This article will explore five critical milestones (figure 1) in a company's growth that may indicate the need for a PLM system and four things to look for at each milestone. Figure 1 Read Article

How Manufacturing Can Create Risk in Your NPI Plans LI

How Manufacturing Can Create Risk in Your NPI Plans Introduction New Product Introduction (NPI) is a critical phase in the lifecycle of any product, especially in the electronics industry where Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and electronic components are integral. While NPI is essential for bringing innovative products to market, it is fraught with risks, particularly in the manufacturing phase. This article explores how manufacturing can create risks in your NPI plans, focusing on parts Read Article

How To Start A Chip Industry From Scratch LI

How To Start A Chip Industry From Scratch Starting a semiconductor chip industry from scratch is a monumental task that requires a blend of advanced technology, skilled workforce, substantial investment, and supportive policies. Here’s a structured article that delves into the key features of the semiconductor chip industry and the critical conditions needed to establish and sustain it. What it Takes to Start a Chip Industry From Scratch Introduction The semiconductor chip industry is Read Article

Bringing OEM Data Back to Engineering

Closing the Loop: How OEMs Effectively Bring Defect Data Back to PCB Design and Manufacturing Teams In electronics production, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are vital for the quality and dependability of electronic parts. One of the key aspects of maintaining high standards is the effective communication of defect data back to engineering teams, particularly those involved in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and manufacturing. This article delves into the process steps, conditions for success, and key insights into how OEMs can Read Article

What Makes the Life Sciences Supply Chain Different?

What Makes the Life Sciences Supply Chain Different? The life sciences supply chain is unique due to its complexity, high stakes, and the critical role it plays in patient care and public health. It handles a wide range of items, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and biologics, each with unique requirements for storage, handling, and transportation. Key aspects that set the life sciences supply chain apart include: Complexity and Regulation: The products it handles are often Read Article

Advanced Forecasting for Reducing Inventory Costs

Advanced Forecasting for Reducing Inventory Costs In today's competitive business environment, efficient inventory management is a key strategic factor for reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through advanced forecasting. The Case for Advanced Forecasting The case for Advanced Forecasting is compelling. It’s a strategic approach that leverages cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to predict future trends and behaviors Read Article

Smart Strategies for Managing Rising Component Prices

Smart Strategies for Managing Rising Component Prices The electronics industry is currently facing a significant challenge: rising component prices. This trend is driven by a variety of factors and requires strategic management to maintain competitiveness. In the article, we will present an analysis of the challenges faced by the electronics industry due to rising component prices. There are the key drivers of this trend, including supply chain disruptions, increased demand for electronic components Read Article

Electronics Development in the Cloud Without Exposing IP

Harnessing the Power of Cloud-Based Solutions for Electronics Development: A Focus on IP Protection In the rapidly evolving world of electronics development, cloud-based solutions are becoming increasingly prevalent. This shift is driven by the need for greater efficiency, scalability, and accessibility in the development process. However, as we move towards these digital solutions, a critical aspect that demands our attention is Intellectual Property (IP) protection. Read Article

Overcoming Single Source Risks in Medical Device Manufacturing

Overcoming Single Source Risks in Medical Device Manufacturing Medical devices face single-source risks in their supply chains. Procurement managers and electrical engineers can address these risks, but it requires looking throughout the medical electronics supply chain. Read Article

Ensuring Reliable Sourcing in Medical Device Supply Chains

Ensuring Reliable Sourcing in Medical Device Supply Chains Key complications include the multifaceted complex nature of medical devices, the intricate assembly process, stringent regulatory requirements, import/export restrictions, and a fiercely competitive landscape, and a need for a continuous improvement (CI) system (figure 1). To navigate these challenges, organisations can take actions to invest in research and development, implement strong quality control measures, build robust regulatory teams Read Article

Where Does Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Help with Supply Chain Management?

Where Does Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Help with Supply Chain Management? PLM is a systematic approach to managing the series of changes a product goes through, from its design and development to its ultimate retirement or disposal. SCM, on the other hand, involves the active management of supply chain activities to maximize customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The PLM software market is valued at US$47.3 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach US$80.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of Read Article