Component sourcing
Unless an OEM is one of the few that is vertically integrated with manufacturing, the general considerations for PCB and PCA sourcing decisions and the criteria that should be used to evaluate and select suppliers are left to the purchasing department.
Needs assessment
- Engineers start by assessing the requirements of the project based on the specifications. They determine the type and quantity of components required for new product development.
- Valuable information is provided by preliminary engineering drawings and product designs.
- Working with the finance and business development teams helps to establish a budget and a detailed bill of materials (BOM).
Strategy development
- Several critical tasks are involved in this phase:
- Primary and secondary supplier selection.
- Collection of data on part numbers, descriptions and pricing.
- Review bill of materials for consistency and accuracy.
Developing and contracting supplier relationships
- Vendors are approached for business once the documentation is complete.
- Negotiating and signing service level agreements (SLAs) are part of building strong relationships with vendors.
- Companies may work with multiple vendors at the same time.
Sourcing Channels
When it comes to procuring electronic components, you have several options:
Buy direct from manufacturers
Manufacturers produce and stock components in large quantities.
Advantages
- Short supply chain: Orders are fulfilled more quickly.
- Technical support and customer service.
- Access to authorized distributors.
As a specialist in the procurement of electronic components, your role is crucial in ensuring a seamless flow of components from production to use. By understanding the dynamics of the supply chain and implementing cost-effective strategies, you can make a significant contribution to successful product development.
Remember, every resistor, capacitor and microcontroller plays a vital role in powering the devices we rely on every day.