The main procedures for alternate part sourcing happen when a new part is selected for a design. The Component Engineer or Design Engineer should only design with a component that has more than one manufacturer. However, there are so many unique designs now, mostly semiconductor with high number of pin-outs and packages, that sometimes there is only one manufacturer that makes the identical part. The Design Engineer should try to accomplish the same circuit function with multiple source components, but if he or she cannot, then the part remains on the AVL as a single source. The Department of Defense has problems not so much with alternate sourcing, but with counterfeits. They believe they are buying the correct parts, single sourced or not, but somehow the fraudulent or counterfeit parts were infiltrated into their supply chain. There should be incoming inspections, either internally or by a second party guaranteeing that the parts ordered were the parts received. It is not enough to check certificates of conformity because these documents are being counterfeited as well. If the ten procedures I write about are performed during an alternate part's qualification, then there should be no problem using the approved part....if someone hasn't made that particular manufacturer's part number a target for their counterfeit operations.
Douglas, good analysis and guidelines, If we are able to follow then fine. We had read many articles about selection of components and how to avoid counterfeit components. But recently I had read about inclusion of counterfeit components in US defence labs. How it had happened? If they are strictly following the scrutiny for components, it won't happen. Am I right? this means thief is always in the floating ship.
Once again, you have hit the nail squarely on the head. If all purchasiing folks would follow this wonderful and accuarte roadmap, the surprises which occur during the normal procurement and manufacturing processes would be seriously diminshed Kudos to you for setting out this timely and excellent article.
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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