The global chips and components shortage presents a challenge for all product development and manufacturing companies.
As one of the UK’s leading cradle-to-grave industrial computing and electronics solutions provider, DSL has been working closely with suppliers and customers to alleviate some of the practical implications of the shortage so we all are better prepared.
Stock holding – DSL is holding an increased number of its most popular products in-house which are available on a next day delivery.
Forward purchasing – when designing something for a customer, their components would usually be purchased later through the process. Now, DSL advise, and have the option to, purchase the components earlier to meet time frames. This entails client sending a PO that they will never get charged for (unless they don’t go ahead with prototyping) so components can be pre-purchased to have readily available.
Call-offs – This is where a customer commits to taking a certain amount of stock over a certain amount of time in advance, and DSL holds it on site ready for next day delivery as and when they require it.
Managing the component shortage
Rory Dear, Managing Director, DSL, says: “As an industry, we need to be thinking as far ahead as possible and communicating more regularly. It’s crucial that both longer lead times and additional cost contingencies are built into a design project plan.
“The whole DSL team, from engineers and designers to production and logistics, work extremely closely to look at every angle in advance to anticipate supply chain disruptions and to find creative and pragmatics solutions.”
When off-the-shelf products are unable to meet your needs, bespoke UK-based electronic design can deliver the specific solution your business requires, even in the midst of a global supply chain crisis. Contact DSL to find out more.
