Building a Second-Source Strategy That Actually Works
Every procurement team knows they should have second sources for critical parts. Here’s a practical framework for actually qualifying and maintaining alternatives before a crisis forces your hand.
Sourcing from China: What Western Buyers Get Wrong
China is the world’s largest electronics market, but many Western buyers approach it with either blanket suspicion or naive trust. Here’s a practical guide to what procurement teams frequently get wrong.
How to Decode Any IC Part Number
Every IC part number encodes information about the device, package, temperature range, and more. Here’s how to decode the naming conventions from TI, STMicro, NXP, Microchip, and the 74-series logic family.
The Hidden Costs of Component Shortages
The purchase price of a replacement component is usually the smallest cost of a shortage. Production downtime, redesign, requalification, and customer impact add up to figures that dwarf the price difference.
Lead Times in 2026: What’s Actually Happening
The semiconductor market in 2026 is more stable than the crisis years, but far from uniform. Here’s what’s normalised, what’s still tight, and what new pressure points procurement teams should be watching.
Authorised vs Independent Distribution: When to Use Each
When should you buy from authorised distributors and when does it make sense to work with independents? An honest comparison of both channels and how to evaluate an independent distributor.
Reading a BOM Like a Risk Analyst
Most bills of materials carry more supply chain risk than anyone realises until a part goes out of stock. Here’s how to audit your BOM for availability, lifecycle, and single-source vulnerabilities before they become emergencies.
What to Do When Your Part Goes End-of-Life
When a manufacturer discontinues a part on your BOM, the clock starts ticking. Here’s a structured approach to managing EOL transitions without disrupting production.
How to Spot Counterfeit ICs: A Practical Checklist
Counterfeit components cost the electronics industry billions each year and put products and reputations at risk. Here’s a hands-on checklist for identifying suspect ICs before they reach your production line.
The Shortage of Electronic Components
Discover the impact of the shortage of electronic components on industries and consumers.