In the fourth of a series of WNIE podcasts, Zac Elliot \u2013 Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens Digital Industries Software \u2013 speaks with host Karen Pearman about some creative methods for overcoming the current instability in the electronics supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen to the podcast now on the WNIE site<\/a>, on in the player below<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the podcast, Mr. Elliot explains how the shortage of components has led to the adoption of a number of out-of-the-box solutions that help designers and manufacturers deliver products \u2013 without accumulating huge inventories, or performing costly design revisions to accommodate alternative parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, components have been purchased directly from the manufacturer or from certified suppliers, thus ensuring the authenticity of the parts. Shortages and increased lead times have led to an increase in purchases from other distribution channels \u2013 running the risk of integrating low-quality counterfeits or damaged components into products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to mitigate these risks, additional inspection of these components is required \u2013 usually on samples that are sent to a lab for inspection and testing. Newer methods<\/a> leverage artificial intelligence in order to inspect all of the components before assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manufacturers are learning to reduce shortage-related, production-line down time using automated scheduling tools<\/a> that manage production schedules based on inventory availability. These tools can dynamically adjust the production schedule in accordance with component delivery forecasts, or split an order in order to utilize available on-hand inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Closed-Loop Manufacturing (CLM) techniques provide an effective method for handling the increased frequency of NPIs (new product introductions). In CLM, a \u201cdigital twin\u201d of the complete NPI process<\/a> connects the PLM (design), ERP (planning), and MES (execution) operations, providing immediate feedback between the teams as issues arise. CLM improves operational efficiency, easing the production of multiple revisions of a product \u2013 each with its own unique set of components, assembly and testing requirements \u2013 while helping to maintain product quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBuy from third-party distributors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adopt advanced scheduling techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Implement Closed Loop Manufacturing methodologies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Listen to the podcast with Zac Elliott:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n