Navigating Component Shortages in Today’s Volatile Supply Chain Environment

Before any design can be put into manufacturing, all components need to be sourced at the required quantity. Component shortages are not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to shortages in numerous integrated circuits, creating difficulties in getting designs into production. Companies that want to work with an external design firm need to know their products can be produced at the required quantity, yet many design firms ignore the supply chain and component stocks when selecting parts. In addition, most companies wait until a design is about to hit the production line before procuring components for their products, creating a risk of extensive redesigns so that alternative components can be incorporated.

In our work with aerospace and defense OEMs, industrial automation companies, and data center hardware companies, Northwest Engineering Solutions has implemented a process to ensure our clients' designs are sourceable and producible without extensive redesigns before production. By leveraging its ITAR-registered PCB manufacturing partners, NWES can design, manufacture, test, and deliver production-grade electronics without experiencing the same procurement and production headaches as other service bureaus. Read more to learn about our process for PCB manufacturing planning and how we leverage our partnerships to expedite production.