# Ep. 15 | The Emergence of the Virtual Supply Chain in a COVID-19 World

- Show: [Moore's Lobby](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby)
- Published: 2020-12-17
- Length: 1h 19m
- Episode: 15
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world
- Listen: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/podcast/ep-15-emergence-virtual-supply-chain-covid-19-world

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=1) Introduction and Panelist Backgrounds
- [8:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=498) The Role of Distributors in the Design Process
- [14:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=875) Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chain and Logistics
- [19:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=1170) EMS Partnerships and Design for Manufacturing
- [25:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=1529) Navigating Disruptions and Inventory Strategies
- [38:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=2283) The Future of Distribution and E-commerce
- [1:07:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world#t=4045) Q&A: Amazon vs. Traditional Distributors and Startup Support

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Digi-Key Electronics (company)
- Jabil (company)
- Amazon (company)
- ST Micro Electronics (company)
- Premier Farnell (company)
- Aero Electronics (company)
- DHL (company)
- UPS (company)
- FedEx (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Man Behind The Curtain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-03-16-man-behind-the-curtain) (The Amp Hour)
- [Electronica 24: Supplyframe's Richard Barnett on Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Supply Chains](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-01-17-electronica-24-supplyframes-richard-barnett-on-navigating-challenges-and-opportu) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [BONUS - THE Supply Chain Intelligence PODCAST, episode one with Omnics CEO Akhil Oltikar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-11-01-bonus-the-supply-chain-intelligence-podcast-episode-one-with-omnics-ceo-akhil-ol) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Co-founder & CEO of fictiv Dave Evans Talks Supply Chain Realities on EMS@C-Level](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-04-17-co-founder-ceo-of-fictiv-dave-evans-talks-supply-chain-realities-on-ems-c-level) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [EMS@C-LEVEL Season #1 Episode #5 with Liam Casey of PCH International](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2020-09-08-ems-c-level-season-1-episode-5-with-liam-casey-of-pch-international) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

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