Gerry Fay's rodeo analogy at the end of Barbara's story is totally appropriate. The supply chain has its randomity and unpredictability, much like a young bull in a rodeo. Fortunately, organizations like Avnet have always developed a deep pool of experienced riders who know how to handle shifting dynamics, including those generated by industry events, corporate strategy and more. Had never heard that comparison before; it'd make for a good marketing campaign.
If Avnet can "sense" the market and make appropriate decision about inventory control, they will continue to lead the market and become a priceless asset to OEMs. It is wonderful to read a story with such optimism and confidence that the company can predict and meet this everchanging demand environment. Although the comparison to a rodeo is humorous, it rang true and gave the reader the picture of what Gerry is facing.
I think the other thing that caught my eye on this rodeo reference was the allusion to tough personalities. Avnet rose to the top of the dias a long time ago when the industry was marked by the personalities of its leaders as much as anything else. I never had any firsthand experience with the founding members of the Avnet family, but from what history indicates, Fay joins a legendary hall of spirited individuals who haven't been reluctant to jump into a tough ring.
"The world is getting smaller, and the supply chain is becoming more interconnected, and our job is making sure we are making the investments we need,"
I would like to point, when business world becomes smaller and closer, a one to one responsibility has to maintain among the players for strengthen the chain. Otherwise always there may be chance for other players.
I feel the rodeo analogy is completely correct when referring to the uncertainty of the supply chain. It is nice to see that Avnet has promoted an individual with foresight and experience. Too many times companies have put the wrong person in the wrong job. Many times causing more headaches then what was currently going on. Gerry Fay seems to be the right guy to help Avnet stay atop the leader board in the supply chain game.
In dealing with Avnet, I have found that unless you have put a pipeline in place with them, parts are extremely difficult to obtain. Just getting a pipeline up with Avnet is hard. I usually end up resorting to DigiKey, Mouser or Newark for the first several months of prototyping and production. I thought that Avnet was supposed to be a stocking distributor and that maybe they had a small bit of uncommitted inventory. Not the typical case. This has been going on for decades. I hope that Gerry Fay can do something different than business as usual with them. When it becomes easier for us OEMs to deal with them, then they will be able to lure more customers.
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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