16th December 2021
Supply chain and logistics problems have been all over the news for some time now, causing major issues across UK sectors, particularly in manufacturing. These challenges couldn’t have come at a worse time for many businesses, trying to return to pre-pandemic production levels after almost two years of disruption. However, with many restrictions having eased globally, with some exceptions, the manufacturing industry, along with many others, has now been hit with more problems that get in the way of productivity, order fulfilment and, ultimately, revenue in the bank.
Issues with logistics have caused some of the supply chain problems but have also been causing major disruptions for businesses that rely on HGV and delivery drivers to ship their finished products to customers. Driver shortages, fuel cost increases, staffing issues and shortages in some materials have coincided with rising demand to create a very volatile market currently in the UK. Higher transport costs and rising prices are the results, and whilst there have been some efforts made to address a number of these issues by the UK government, there is no immediate end in sight for these problems. Many experts predict it could easily take up to 12-months for supply chains to stabilise.
The electronic parts industry has been affected by this in the same way as many others, with delays in the supply chain for these parts causing real issues for everyone from car manufacturers to Apple.
So, how can those in the manufacturing sector who rely on these kinds of parts find ways to work around these disruptive challenges? We’ve compiled some tips that we know can positively impact many different types of business.
Review each step of your supply chain
Whether it’s recently introduced Brexit regulations, pandemic-related issues, or a combination of both, understanding where the problems (or potential problems on the horizon) are likely to pinch is essential so you can take mitigating steps. Bringing all of this information together, along with your internal processes, with a software solution can help flag issues before they become unavoidable, giving you time to make changes and contingency plans when needed.
Look at your stock management and delivery procedures
Looking at various scenarios in relation to your current processes can give great insights into how you might handle delays or other supply chain issues if they arise. Having a plan in place just in case helps to ensure you’re ready and might also highlight efficiency improvements you can make now to benefit the business and your customers.
Choose the right electronic parts suppliers and partners
If you’re trying to order essential electronic parts and find out that there is a very long lead time on them, it can cause a huge disruption to your usual processes. Choosing suppliers that have access to significant stock already stored in the UK and available quickly can make a huge difference. Even when parts do have to be ordered in, some suppliers have longstanding relationships within the industry to expedite this too, which means you can get things back on track more quickly.
With over two decades of experience in supplying parts to the world’s leading manufacturers of electrical, controls and automation products, we have a proven track record in hunting down hard-to-find products and parts and holding a large amount of stock locally. With access to a worldwide supply chain, if we haven’t already got a part, we can find it and offer 24-48-hour delivery on thousands of items.
If you want some help with your supply chain in electrical parts, contact our team to find out more.
