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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

New Workforce Programs for PCBs and Semiconductors

New Workforce Programs for PCBs and Semiconductors The U.S. will manufacture a fifth of the world's most advanced logic chips by 2030, backed by a domestic supply chain spanning raw materials to packaging, announced Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. However, industry and government officials have emphasized that new factories could fail without substantial labor investment. Projections indicate that the U.S. may face a shortfall of 90,000 technicians by 2030, coinciding with the goal to produce Read Article

6 Trends Shaping Electronic Component Supply Chains 2024 - 2025

6 Trends Shaping Electronic Component Supply Chains 2024 - 2025 The global supply chain for electronic components has faced significant challenges in recent years. From COVID-19 disruptions to surging demand and geopolitical tensions, the combined pressures resulted in long lead times for components and a scarcity of critical raw materials, including advanced materials and rare earth elements. This year saw geopolitical trade tensions between the U.S. and China further strain supply chains, disrupting product Read Article

Advanced Materials in the Electronics Supply Chain

Advanced Materials in the Electronics Supply Chain The electronics industry is accustomed to rapid change and innovation. Disruption is the industry’s middle name. Over the past few years, we have seen a series of trends – from AI-driven automation to reshoring efforts – reshaping the industry’s supply chains. However, as we look ahead, one trend deserves more attention than it’s been getting: the role of advanced materials in electronics supply chains. While discussions about supply chain Read Article

Vendor Lock-In and PLM Solutions

Vendor Lock-In and PLM Solutions: The OEM and EMS Perspective In the vast expanse of the business ecosystem, one of the recurring fears among companies, regardless of their niche, is vendor lock-in. This concern is palpable when it comes to product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. Let's wade into this topic, exploring the different reasons why original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies approach PLM with varied hesitations and expectations. What Is Read Article

The Impact of AI on Electronics Manufacturing

The Impact of AI on Electronics Manufacturing Artificial intelligence (AI) is a source of disruption for many industries, and electronics manufacturing is no exception. From facilitating faster product development to improving quality and fortifying supply chains, AI is revolutionizing how electronic manufacturers design, prototype, source, and build their products. For electronics engineers and manufacturing professionals, understanding these AI-driven changes is essential for staying Read Article

Chip Counterfeits

How Chip Counterfeits Are Getting More Sophisticated Despite the quality assurance and rigor of semiconductor standards, the industry is still prone to counterfeiting, which can only have detrimental effects the longer it continues. There are various elements that should provoke electronics buyers and manufacturers to dig deeper into the procurement process to uncover any potential blemishes in products they wish to purchase. With shortages afoot in some areas of the PCB market and abundances in Read Article

What Will It Take For Japan to Dominate Chip Production Again

What Will It Take For Japan to Dominate Chip Production Again? These days the conversation surrounds three major companies: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Samsung, and SK Hynix—the main providers of early-stage chips. However, as the industry evolved over time, many organizations had roles to play in the successful growth of semiconductor innovation and production. Japan was home to six of the top 10 semiconductor manufacturing companies in the world back in 1988—a time when the Asian island Read Article

Chemical Processes Could Make Semiconductor Manufacturing More Sustainable

Chemical Processes Could Make Semiconductor Manufacturing More Sustainable Although essential to modern life, semiconductor manufacturing is energy- and resource-intensive, demanding higher consumption of electricity, water, chemicals, and process gases, all of which contribute to greater energy use and environmental impact—an unfortunate reality that is further compounded by the increased complexity of advanced chip manufacturing and increased demand. "If the current growth path were to continue unchecked, carbon Read Article

Edge Computing and Its Impact on Real-Time Data Processing

Edge Computing and Its Impact on Real-Time Data Processing In an era when milliseconds matter, edge computing is changing how industries process data, creating unprecedented opportunities for real-time decision-making. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation – where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure – are reaping big benefits. With forecasters predicting that most enterprise data will soon be processed at the edge, the market is experiencing 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

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

Regulatory Changes and Compliance

Regulatory Changes and Compliance: Impact on the Electronic Component Supply Chain and Adaptation Strategies Understanding RoHS and REACH The RoHS Directive, introduced by the European Union in 2003 and updated as RoHS 2 in 2011 and RoHS 3 in 2015, restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. These substances include lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants. The goal of RoHS is to reduce the environmental impact and improve the recyclability of electronic products. REACH Read Article

New Tariffs on China

New Tariffs on China: A Summary of the Upcoming Section 301 Tariff Changes In an attempt to level the playing field for American businesses and workers, the Biden administration has slapped new tariffs on an array of Chinese imports, imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Following a four-year review of Section 301 trade actions, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a Federal Register Notice (FRN) detailing the conclusion of the statutory four-year review. Additional US tariffs have been Read Article

Transforming Waste: AI-Powered Recycling is Here

Transforming Waste: AI-Powered Recycling is Here Welcome to the Ctrl+Listen Podcast, brought to you by Octopart! Join James and his guest, Carling Spelhaug, the Director of Communications at AMP, as they delve into the revolutionary impact of AI on the recycling industry. Listen to the Episode: Watch the Episode: Episode Highlights: AMP's Mission: How AMP is maximizing waste value The role of AI in automating waste sorting and improving efficiency. Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) The Read Article