The counterfeit issue within the semiconductor industry has been a hot topic throughout the United States more recently than in years past due to the increase in reported cases.
In a recent article, CBC News in Canada reported about Canada's most recent encounter with fake parts in a major military aircraft, which, to our surprise, has not pushed for immediate replacement of the questionable components.
The Canadian military was quoted in the article as saying: "At this point in time, other than continuing to be vigilant, we don't have any particular concerns in this country..." It is messages like this that are discouraging to members of the semiconductor supply chain who have been diligent in providing the required traceable devices to help out customers, both domestically and internationally.
Fortunately, there are "messengers" all over the world talking about the dangers of counterfeit. In Canada, one of them is Mark Tayles. Below is an excerpt from his latest article, "Still Clear, Still Present, Still Dangerous":
A follow-on CBC News report this week doesn't reassure me that we appreciate the intrinsic nature of electronics and the potential danger from counterfeit devices.
Quoted is Martine Simard-Normandin (president and founder of Ottawa-based laboratory, MuAnalysis, a leading test facility for suspect counterfeit parts). 'I would not feel comfortable flying that aircraft, knowing they have used parts of essentially unknown traceability.'
Are you willing to be one of the industry's "messengers" about the dangers of counterfeiting? Let us know.
"I'm just curious to know why no one advocated following up? Fake parts if discovered should be taken seriously."
@Anna: That's because normally after a crash the parts are not in a state to be examined so no one can really tell if the malfunction was because of counterfeit or low quality parts.
Kayode, I'm sure necessary checks are carried out on aircrafts. However, Occasional you do have a case of odd one slipping through the net. I will assume this to be case in this scenario.
"In the case of the Canadian military aircraft encounter with fake parts, I think the parts should have been traced and dealt with appropriately."
@Anna: I agree. There have been several other incidents like these but unfortunately the cause has not been traced down. If it is really because of counterfeit parts then severe action should be taken.
Hmm, in the case of the military aircraft, its not that counterfeiters built the whole plane and then canada bought it over from them, I mean to say that somebody should atleast be able to identify authentic components or have a reliable source who has a reliable source who has a relaible source that checks and checks before the components are being sold out .
TaimoorZ, It is certainly a critical issue, moreso when it involves lives. In the case of the Canadian military aircraft encounter with fake parts, I think the parts should have been traced and dealt with appropriately. Directly or indirectly incidents of this sort does impact lives negatively. It is a ticking bomb!
"By keeping quiet we assume the problem will go away or that it will not impact us. It's the quiet before the storm that can be most regrettable."
@Bolaji: Indeed. And the issue becomes much more critical when the counterfeit products impact human lives as may be in the case of counterfeit medicines or food products. Nothing is more precious than human lives in my view.
"One small component of an important part of a plane that is fake can cause a serious disaster and that is why counterfeit cannot be allowed to grow out of country."
@Adeniji: I agree. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell after a plane crash if the malfunctioning in the aircraft was caused due to counterfeit parts. This is one reason why counterfeiters are able to get away.
Well, although here at EBN we focus on electronics, we don't forget to understimate how critical is the matter for goods, in general (including food). I guess in the future a worldwide organization for beating any counterfeit action (it doesn't matter the field) will be setup.
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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