On August 10, 2023, a webinar on Reliability Risks in a Supply Chain in Turmoil. The ASQ Reliability and Risk Division (ASQ RRD) Webinar Series hosted this event, featuring Dr. Diganta Das. More than a hundred professionals attended the event.
This discussion included an introduction to the pervasiveness of electronics in the current society and how we all may be vulnerable to disruptions in its supply chain. Dr. Das brought the attendees to the nature of the electronic component supply chain, and how ignoring the electronic part distributors as a key (and possibly weak) link in this supply chain can cause problems with product reliability.
Establishing a mature and reliable supply chain is crucial for sourcing high-quality components. Carefully considering suppliers' involvement is critical to this process. The primary aim is to optimize profits and manage risks efficiently. Simultaneously, it's essential to assess manufacturers for their consistent part quality and satisfactory customer support.
Quoting an article by Stephanie Yang ("Chip Shortage Has Spawned a Surplus of Fraudsters and Fake Parts," WSJ, 7/15/2021") about the impact of the chip shortage, speculations about increased counterfeit parts are prevalent. Interestingly, reports suggest more fraud involving undelivered items rather than a substantial rise in counterfeit part deliveries.
Regardless of their typical business nature, distributors are entities selling you parts. This encompasses various players like manufacturers, contract manufacturers, maintenance depots, and government entities. Applying a consistent distributor assessment process to all sources is vital for a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring suitability and reliability in the supply chain.
Remember that authorized distributors' names don't solely signify their authorization status. Evaluations must encompass product types, business divisions, and geographic regions covered by authorization agreements. Notably, even major authorized distributors may have "open market" divisions, indicating independent distribution channels. This underscores the need for thorough assessment before making decisions.
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