The Return to an Era of Allocation of Components and Long Lead Times

Kevin Sink [TTI, Inc.]

Abstract: 

Electronics component supply chains are no longer only governed by cyclical demand or perturbed by external events but by fundamental shifts in technology, demand, and global economics. Geopolitical shifts and localized manufacturing mean that supply chains are increasingly used as tools for economic dominance, resulting in structural, long-term unpredictability. Global capacities are prioritized for new technologies, high volume and continuous demand customers, and higher-margin products, leaving other segments starved for capacity. The shift toward vehicle electrification, data center expansions, and edge AI is raising the baseline requirements. These factors contribute to scarcity and allocation of many components.
This panel will share information from industry experts from the frontline and propose ways to manage your organization's sourcing in these environments.

Moderator: 

Kevin Sink is the VP, Total Quality at TTI, Inc., the global authorized distributor of electronic components based in Fort Worth, Texas. Kevin participates in the SAE G-19 committee developing standards for counterfeit mitigation, focusing on AS6081 for Independent Distribution, AIR6273 for terms and definitions, and is the Chair of the committee for AS6496 for Authorized Distribution. He has spoken at several industry and OEM symposia on the topic. Much of Kevin's research is centered around the industry's experience with standards and outside regulations and the translation of these into specific company practices. Kevin holds a BBA and MBA from Texas A&M University and has served in capacities within TTI from Sales to Product Management to Sales Operations before assuming responsibility for Quality. Prior to joining TTI, Kevin worked in Purchasing with General Dynamics. Kevin leverages over 35 years of experience in the military, aerospace, and electronics sectors to provide an authorized distributor’s perspective on best practices for mitigating counterfeit risks.

Panelists: 

Todd Zara is Director of Supplier Development at TTI, Inc., where he has worked for more than 16 years. In his current role, he focuses on improving supplier performance, strengthening customer experience, and using real-time quality analytics to support best-in-class results and deeper supplier relationships. His background includes leadership roles in supplier development, total quality, supplier marketing, and product management at TTI, along with prior experience as Vice President and Distribution Manager at Advance Technical Sales.

 

 

John Alden, Sr Director of Global Quality, Avnet

James Turner, Yageo Kemet