Strategic Sourcing During Volatile Times w/ Jim Pratt

The Manufacturing Executive · 8 Mar 2022 · 19m · Episode 92

What this episode covers

Jim Pratt, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Forsyth Advisors, discusses the current state of the supply chain crisis, noting that while the peak of shortages has passed, companies must now shore up weaknesses exposed by the demand surge. He advises manufacturers to focus on strategic sourcing, near-shoring, and automation rather than just negotiating lower prices with existing suppliers who are facing their own cost pressures. Pratt highlights specific challenges like commodity price volatility, container shortages, and the need for rapid redesigns to maintain competitiveness in volatile markets.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • People of Packaging · 44m

    123 - Supply Chain Crisis with Camille Corr Chism

    Adam Peak and Camille Corr Chism, founder of Indigo Packaging and Consulting, discuss the unprecedented supply chain crisis impacting the US packaging industry, citing specific material price hikes and labor shortages. They analyze how automotive OEMs like GM and Ford are adapting to these constraints through contingency planning and rework loops, while brands face difficult trade-offs between sustainability goals and material availability. The conversation highlights how inflationary pressures and allocation issues, such as Ball Corporation's minimum order quantities, are forcing brands to use non-recyclable labels on aluminum cans, creating downstream recycling challenges.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 4m

    BONUS - EMS Thought for the Day (EMSNOW Special) #2 of 8 - Partnership Prevail

    Philip Stoughton discusses the strained relationship between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers, highlighting how supply chain shortages and pandemic disruptions have created adversarial dynamics. He argues that viewing these interactions as true partnerships, rather than transactional price negotiations, is essential for navigating component shortages and lead time uncertainties. Stoughton advocates for collaborative solutions like redesigning with available parts or adjusting build schedules, emphasizing that sustainable success requires shared responsibility for manufacturing and supply chain footprints.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 24m

    BONUS - What's the SCOOP - 2022 Trends with Mike Konrad

    Mike Konrad, founder of Aqueous Technologies, discusses 2022 industry trends, highlighting that supply chain disruptions extend far beyond semiconductors to include components like solenoids and motors. He explains how his company transitioned from just-in-time to just-in-case purchasing, requiring minor design modifications to integrate alternative parts while managing cash flow strain. Konrad also advocates for an educational marketing model over traditional trade show noise, predicting a hybrid future for industry events like IPC APEX Expo and Productronica.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 26m

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

    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.

  • 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.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Manufacturing Executive. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.