Ep. 15 | The Emergence of the Virtual Supply Chain in a COVID-19 World
Mark Burr-Lonnon of Mouser Electronics, Dave Doherty of Digi-Key, and Frank McKay of Jabil discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual supply chains and e-commerce in the electronics industry. The panelists explain how distributors are adapting by stocking more inventory for new product introductions (NPI) and providing rich technical content to support remote engineers, while Jabil emphasizes the importance of early engagement in design for manufacturing and supply chain transparency. They highlight the resilience of the supply chain despite disruptions in commercial air freight and regional lockdowns, noting that engineers are increasingly relying on digital tools and anonymous purchasing to navigate component shortages.