Hardware Podcasts

Supplyframe CMO Richard Barnett on Supply Chain Data on EMS@C-Level 2023

EMS@C-LEVEL · 13 Feb 2023 · 26m

What this episode covers

Richard Barnett, CMO of Supplyframe, discusses the need for better supply chain data to drive resilience and decision-making in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry. He highlights that the electronics value chain is the least digitally mature sector, plagued by fragmented, inaccurate pricing and a lack of transparency between EMS providers, distributors, and OEMs. Barnett argues that the recent chip shortages have exposed these inefficiencies, creating an opportunity to shift from tactical, margin-hiding behaviors to collaborative, risk-sharing agreements backed by real-time digital intelligence. He notes that while consumer electronics have slowed, automotive and data center markets remain strong, though a potential 'double dip' in supply constraints may emerge as inventory levels normalize.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Supplyframe, Siemens, Jabil, Flextronics, Koh Young, CloudNC

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Moore's Lobby · 46m

    Bringing Design Order to a Chaotic World: Insights From Top Execs at Digi-Key and Molex

    Dave Doherty, President and COO of Digi-Key, and Joe Nelligan, CEO of Molex, discuss the state of the electronics supply chain, noting that while passives have normalized, microcontrollers and analog chips remain constrained into 2023. They highlight the importance of digital transformation, with Digi-Key re-architecting its platform for real-time API data and Molex investing in end-to-end digital threads to help engineers mitigate supply risk during design. The executives also offer career advice to engineers, emphasizing the need for supply chain awareness, lifelong learning, and leveraging mentorship networks to navigate industry disruptions.

    Sourcing & supply chainAI & machine learning
    7 chapters

  • Moore's Lobby · 1h 19m

    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.

    Sourcing & supply chainDirect-to-consumer & e-commerce
    7 chapters

  • Moore's Lobby · 1h 09m

    Passing Storm or New Normal? How Should We Think of Today's Electronics Supply Chain?

    Michael Knight of TTI, Jeff Newell of Mouser Electronics, and Misha Govshteyn of MacroFab discuss the structural shift in the electronics supply chain from 'just-in-time' to 'just-in-case' inventory strategies. The panel highlights the rise of gray market components, the critical need for multisourcing and component engineering, and the integration of software-driven platforms like MacroFab to manage distributed manufacturing. They also address pricing inflation driven by legacy semiconductor demand and offer advice on engineering careers and supply chain resilience.

    Sourcing & supply chainManufacturing partners & offshoring
    7 chapters

  • Moore's Lobby · 59m

    Ep. 35 | The Impact of Chip Shortages on the Electronics Industry

    Dave Doherty of Digi-Key, Steve Sanghi of Microchip Technology, and Michael Knight of TTI discuss the global chip shortage, citing constraints in semiconductors, passives, and raw materials like resins and metals. The panel attributes the crisis to a 'perfect storm' of pandemic shutdowns, climate events, and labor shortages, noting that automotive production has dropped significantly due to missing microcontrollers. They predict lead times will remain extended for at least a year and emphasize the need for distributors to act as supply chain insurance through higher inventory levels.

    Sourcing & supply chainChips, FPGAs & semiconductors
    9 chapters

  • OnTrack · 39m

    Innovations in AI: Transforming the Electronics Industry

    Phil Marcoux, Advisor to the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), discusses the transformative role of AI in the electronics industry, emphasizing that successful AI integration relies on high-quality, human-generated data and closed-loop feedback between manufacturing and design. He warns against the current 'AI bubble' where startups receive funding without defined products, drawing parallels to the dot-com era and the early adoption of Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Marcoux highlights specific applications such as component availability checks via tools like Wenovo and Circuit Mind, and the critical need for standardized communication protocols like IPC CFX to bridge the gap between design and production.

    AI & machine learningDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    7 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by EMS@C-LEVEL. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.