The flow of counterfeit components always tends to increase during times of shortage – something that the EU’s intellectual property office and Europol have noticed, writes Evertiq here, continuing, “What is evident is that the wrong component in the wrong system can result in big problems.”
“Companies that work with longer commitments run a greater risk of being exposed to counterfeited components than, for example, those that work towards the communication and consumer markets. Consider the automotive industry or military markets where you must be able to ensure delivery of a product for perhaps up to 20 years and beyond.”
“You need to be able to answer the question of which certain components will be replaced and when, but also which can be redesigned?”
Evertiq recommends a three-level approach:
- Always factor in the ongoing improvement of technology; when new products are released to the market, the technology used in the predecessor becomes obsolete, making it more difficult to repair the equipment they are used in.
- The parts may simply become more difficult to obtain as fewer are produced as demand will naturally decrease.
- Consider that the materials required to manufacture the equipment/parts may become more difficult to obtain.
To avoid electronics supply-chain disruptions, you may also wish to consult an expert in electronics component supply. With more than three decades of supply-chain expertise, Astute Electronics is ideally placed to work with you on your daily component requirements.
For more help with looking at supply chain options, contact Astute Electronics
