Thailand Stages a Comeback EBN Dialogue 8/23/2012 (320) comments Thailand may not immediately come to mind as a technology hub, but electronics production represents a major part of the country's exports, and many companies have significant operations there. Contributor Jennifer Baljko recently visited the Southeast Asian country and talked to government officials and company executives. Join her on Thursday, August 23, at 11:00 a.m. EST to discuss Thailand's manufacturing future and how companies have recovered from last year's devastating floods.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms EBN Dialogue 7/12/2012 (467) comments European politicians and central bankers talk of even more reforms and bailouts, and most economic indicators show, at best, guarded optimism for the coming quarters. Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko as they host a Live Chat on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT on the likely impacts of Europe's unfolding economic problems on high-tech tech companies operating in this important, yet mature, market.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers EBN Dialogue 7/3/2012 (361) comments What are the implications for the electronics supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to manufacture and sell its own tablet PC? Will this decision drive a wedge between Microsoft and its current partners in the computing industry, or will it help spark the challenge many feel is lacking as Apple Inc. continues to dominate the sector? On Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. EDT, industry veteran and EE Times' electronics systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt will host a Live Chat on EBN on this subject and answer questions on the implications of Microsoft Surface for PC companies, systems developers, consumers, and the electronics supply chain.
Nokia's Troubles: Implications for Suppliers & Other Partners EBN Dialogue 6/21/2012 (357) comments Declining sales at Nokia, combined with reorganization actions at the company, will heavily impact some of its component suppliers and supply chain partners. What are the implications for its supply base, which companies will be affected, and what can they learn from the experience of others that have in the past been caught in the implosion of major OEMs? Join Junko Yoshida, chief of international correspondents and former editor in chief of EE Times, and Bolaji Ojo, editor in chief of EBN, in a live chat on this subject at 12:00 p.m. EDT, on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
Alternate Parts Sourcing: Challenges & Opportunities EBN Dialogue 6/14/2012 (232) comments Finding replacement parts for items on a components list can lead a procurement expert into a quagmire. It is possible for a seasoned procurement professional to end up with an "alternate" component that doesn't quite fit the bill. During this live chat, veteran components engineer and supply chain consultant Douglas Alexander will discuss specific problems buyers face when trying to secure alternate parts, offer tips for cost savings, and discuss strategies for achieving optimal results when replacing parts on a components list.
Security of Supply in Uncertain Times EBN Dialogue 10/12/2011 (246) comments As the supply/demand balance in the supply chain begins to shift, opportunity presents itself in many forms. As OEMs and EMS providers scale back their demand, component inventories are beginning to build in the supply chain. Is this a good time to stock up for a rainy day, or should you depend on your long-term partners to manage your supply? As the largest holders of inventory in the channel, distributors have a global perspective on inventory management. Join Lindsley Ruth, executive vice president of distributor Future Electronics Inc., in this live chat on Wednesday, October 12 at noon EDT.
Can RIM Reboot? EBN Dialogue 9/29/2011 (392) comments Research in Motion, once a pioneer in mobile communications, is stumbling badly. Its PlayBook has failed to inspire the market, and shareholders are in an uproar. What will it take for RIM to recapture its former magic? Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko and the EBN editors will share their ideas in this Live Chat on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 12 noon EDT.
Managing Supply Chain Transportation Spend & Fuel Cost Volatility EBN Dialogue 9/13/2011 (266) comments With the price of crude oil constantly in flux, the direct impact of transportation fuel surcharges are a constant challenge for the supply chain manager and a recurring headache for the transportation team. Gerry Fay, Avnet’s Chief Global Logistics and Operations Officer, will offer his insights on how best to navigate the difficult terrain of transportation expense control and answer your questions on how to maximize your transportation spend. Join Gerry and EBN editors on Tuesday, September 13, at 2 p.m. EST for a live discussion on this very current subject.
Market Madness & the Supply Chain EBN Dialogue 8/23/2011 (257) comments The stock market has everyone concerned, including companies in the supply chain. The electronics industry has traditionally run on its own cycles, but the economy, the stock market, and global finance have disrupted trends beyond the norm. Supply chain industry expert Matt Sheerin, Senior Equity Research Analyst and Managing Director with investment firm Stifel Nicolaus & Co., will discuss the overall health of the electronics industry and the impact of recent global events during this live chat on Aug. 23 at noon EST.
Can India Take on China? EBN Dialogue 8/18/2011 (326) comments India is angling for a bigger piece of the electronics manufacturing market and is offering semiconductor suppliers incentives to set up fabrication plants in the world’s second most populous country. However, does India have what it takes to compete against China for the electronics supply chain? EBN editor in chief Bolaji Ojo and long-time Asia watcher Marc Herman will discuss this subject with EBN readers on August 18 at 12.00 p.m. EST.
Google: A Disruptive Force Gathers Momentum EBN Dialogue 8/15/2011 (264) comments Google is jumping fully into the hardware market with its decision to purchase Motorola Mobility. The transaction builds on other activities that indicate Google is no longer limiting itself to the software market. What will this latest move mean for the entire wireless handset, tablet PC, telecom service industry and the electronics supply chain? Join EBN editor-in-chief Bolaji Ojo Monday, August 15 at noon EST to discuss this development and the potential impact on your business.
What You Really Need to Know About the Open Market EBN Dialogue 7/28/2011 (207) comments Not all non-franchised distributors are created equal. Many companies that play in the open (non-authorized) distribution market have gone to great lengths to ensure that the components they sell are counterfeit-free. In this Live Chat, Dawn Gluskin, founder and CEO of distributor SolTec Electronics, will talk about what differentiates these companies from unscrupulous open-market brokers.
Reduce Procurement Costs Without Spending a Cent EBN Dialogue 4/26/2011 (123) comments Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m PT
Host: Newark’s Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community & eProcurement
Topic: Reduce Procurement Costs Without Spending a Cent
Goods procurement can include significant costs and efficiency challenges for most businesses, unless you have the right processes in place. Done right, electronic procurement can deliver direct cost savings. Join EBN editors and Newark's Global Head of Community and eProcurement, Dianne Kibbey, on April 26, 2 p.m. EST, for a live discussion on leveraging e-procurement tools. Kibbey will provide insight on how to access the IBUY suite of tools to automate purchasing workflow and reduce the overall costs of purchasing electronic components.
Spotlight Cisco: Reviving an American Icon EBN Dialogue 4/19/2011 (115) comments Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Time: 12 noon ET / 9 a.m. PT
Host: Alexander Wolfe
Topic: Spotlight Cisco: Reviving an American Icon
Cisco Systems is embarking upon a major reorganization to jumpstart flagging sales and profits as competition heats up. What will it take to re-energize the Internet equipment giant? Long-term industry commentator and EBN blogger Alexander Wolfe will discuss this and take questions from readers in a Live Chat on Tuesday, April 19 between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m.
Japanese Earthquake’s Implications for Electronics Supply Chain EBN Dialogue 3/23/2011 (120) comments Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2011
Time: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m PT
Host: Malcolm Penn, CEO and President, Future Horizons
Topic: Japanese Earthquake’s Implications for Electronics Supply Chain
The tragedy in Japan will have some yet to be fully determined effects on the electronics supply chain and financial markets. Malcolm Penn, CEO and President of research and analytic firm Future Horizons, will address the issue of potential supply shortages and suggest ways to avoid problems in a live EBN discussion on this developing topic Wednesday, March 23, noon EST.
Price Competitiveness & Leverage – Separating Fact From Fiction EBN Dialogue 3/10/2011 (230) comments Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m PT
Host: Ken Bradley, President of Lytica Inc.
Topic: Price Competitiveness & Leverage – Separating Fact From Fiction
Securing competitive component pricing is a never-ending challenge for supply chain professionals. Join Lytica's Ken Bradley, developer of the FreeBenchmarking.com pricing tool, on March 10 for an in-depth discussion of the various factors affecting your costs in the supply chain.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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