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It’s only in the last two years that electronics supply chains have become noticeably strained. This may sound like a relatively short amount of time, but for many in it now feels like a permanent feature of the industry. Contract manufacturers have arguably faced the hardest job throughout this period, having to manage longer lead times and more expensive parts on one side and high…

A global shortage of semiconductors has dominated electronics manufacturing for the last 18 months. With an immediate solution looking unlikely, Paul van der Tang, Purchasing Director at Offshore Electronics, offers advice on how the industry can weather the storm of what some are calling ‘chipageddon’ It’s easy to overlook the complexity behind some of the electronic devices we use on a…

When electronics design companies reach a certain size, they often face a choice between expanding in-house production or outsourcing to a contract electronics manufacturer (CEM). Getting it right  Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) says that “Make or buy decisions are often made reactively and purely on the basis of cost,” and that this can be risky. It calls for a…

It’s been a tough time for many companies in the last year; for some, business has contracted, often dramatically; for others it’s been difficult to keep up with the growth in demand.  With the combined impact of the Covid pandemic and Brexit it’s fair to say that nobody has remained unaffected. In many respects, although these events have presented unique challenges, they have also served…

2020 will certainly be a year to remember!  The most notable reason of course will be Covid-19 and its impact on us all, but it was also our 30th Anniversary. While our birthday celebrations were somewhat curtailed by the pandemic, it didn’t stop us from reflecting on our incredible journey. Managing Director, Steve Marshall, one of the founding directors of Offshore Electronics, talks about…

There have been – and continue to be – extensive discussions in boardrooms and government departments around the world about the merits of reshoring in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. These discussions were originally prompted by the threat of international tariff wars following the 2016 presidential elections, together with risks to supply chain disruption caused by factors that…

Every crisis – large or small – creates both challenges and opportunities.  Covid-19 is no different.  It has caused tragedy for families and communities around the world; resulted in political upheaval; and massively disrupted the global economy.  The consequences are going to be with us for a long time. As we learn to live with Covid-19 we’re starting to see the emergence of new ways…

Thinking about manufacturing and assembly earlier in the design process leads to better, more profitable products. But when faced with a complex problem, it is natural to focus first on function. You look to find a solution to meet operational requirements, then worry about hitting manufacturing cost targets.    Too often this approach can lead to sub-optimal solutions - products that are…

Knowledge is power and when it comes to intellectual property (IP), protecting it should be a primary motivation for any business. Why is intellectual property so important? Well, it can help you stand out from the crowd, provide an important revenue stream if sold or licensed, can form part of any marketing communications and has the potential to offer customers something new that they can’t…

There is an old saying: ‘marry in haste and repent at leisure’ and when it comes to sourcing a business supplier, companies would do well to follow this advice! So, for those looking to outsource some or all of their electronic manufacturing, how can the right partner be chosen for a rosy and profitable future? Here are four questions to ask any potential partner before popping the question…