The problem of shortage of standard components like memory ICs, microcontrollers, wafers can be somewhat tackled by the alternate sources in other countries. But there are some products ( like CNC controllers or some of the Automotuve ICs ) which use propritary Japanese components for which there will not be second source. The companies requiring such components will have to wait for Japan to retrun to normalcy as soon as possible.
Japan still plays a very crucial role in suppplying important components for the world's electronics products. Counterfeits will be definitely growing and intefering with the supply chain, and prices will be driven to higher and higher levels.
Given that 40% of all NANDflash is manufactured in Japan(and how critical a part of the Electronic Supply Chain this is);I have to say without an iota of doubt this is the most critical issue that has been affected by this disaster.
Yes there is no doubt that turning to independent distributors can also cause problems(as you so rightly point out below)-But do OEMs have an option?Frankly speaking right now they Don't.
"When the shortages hit, OEMs may have to turn to independent distributors and try to secure the parts through the excess market. In this case, it is important for them to turn to a reputable distributor with certifications such as ISO 9001 & ESD S20.20. Also, they should have testing capabilities in place, to ward off potential counterfeits, which are always prevalent in cases of shortage or obsolescence."
Appreciated report Dawn, a very interesting (and deep) summary about current scenario, all of us are trying to provide their best to substain Japanise population.
Coming back to topics you reported, a couple of thoughts was born: -current events could potentially move quickly consumers and suppliers interests towards products from West? (with severe impacts on the market, huge lack of biz in Japan, overload and difficulties to deliver products in West) -as reverse face of the coin, japanise manufactures should conceive new design and producing ways in order to overtake lack of traditional eletronics components ?
The situation in Japan is sad and heart wrenching. Quake, Tsunami and potential nuclear disaster are each horrible, but combine them into one event and the resulting effects are catastrophic.
Japan's crisis is not over by any means. Japan continues to work on containing the nuclear meltdown as well as re-building their devastated towns. The effects of this event will be felt on many levels for some time to come. The effects of the semiconductor and supply chain shortage will most likely be felt for some time to come. I do not doubt that companies will rally together to find a way to divert manufacturing where possible and try to cover each others' shortages. At least that is what I hope. I also hope that all the large companies, whether or not they are affected by this tragedy, join together to help a broken Japan.
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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