These things are kind of a hobby for me. I'm the only guy I know who has a collection of old major appliances, including a couple of 50's washing machines and about three fridges from the 40's. The only thing I don't like about electronics in major appliances is their poor protection from damage due to vibration, temperature, and humidity. They can also be difficult and expensive to replace. (I'm not an expert, but you would think that the need to isolate the circuit board from the environment is what is responsible for difficulty in replacement, but often these boards are put right in harm's way, with very flimsy protection, yet they are still difficult and expensive to replace.)
Look at the low electronics BOM presented here. If that low BOM can be translated into inexpensive replacement, then that appliance manufacturer would have something worth standing in line for. If it can't, then I hope those components have high reliability in that application. Otherwise, I'd say it is unlikely that brand loyalty can be maintained.
Nemos, Indeed, the semiconductor content of many mechanical products has been rising as companies replace some functionalities with electronic drivers. In addition to washing machines, chips are going into dryers, other household gadgets like stoves, microwave ovens and refrigerators.
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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