ply network. Therefore, it is critical
to understand the quality manage-
ment systems of your independent
partners.
Know Your Source
According to Thomas, the mantra
in his industry to eliminate risk is
“know your source.” To accomplish
this, leading independent distrib-
utors invest millions to manage
global supply networks, rate/prior-
itize suppliers, establish preferred
supplier relationships and acquire
the latest inspection equipment and
utilize effective Quality Management
Systems (QMS).
“Over time, companies like ours have
developed a very complex method of
identifying and eliminating risk,” says
Thomas. “That includes knowing
how to inspect and test components
that come in to our facility, but also
goes well beyond that.”
It also means analyzing and inspect-
ing sources with an investigative
diligence. What path did the parts
take to get there? Who is the man-
ufacturer and how is that relevant?
Where was it made? How was it
shipped and packaged? Is demand of
a component strong enough to make
its availability viable? Only thorough
examination and assessment of all
these factors, in conjunction with
traceability, can the risk be truly
mitigated.
“When we purchase components like
MLCCs, for example, we are purchas-
ing from a direct source,” explains
Thomas. “That could be a regional or
foreign distributor, an OEM partner
or direct from the factory.”
To verify the chain of custody,
traceability documentation can be
provided that identifies the name and
location of all the supply chain inter-
mediaries from the part manufactur-
er to the direct source of the product.
If this traceability is unavailable,
a risk mitigation plan is required.
Finally, visual inspection, testing and
physical analysis are performed on
all incoming products.
Purchasing Power
The truth is that many of the shortag-
es were predicted some time ago. As
a result, leading independent stock-
ing distributors like Classic Compo-
nents have spent the past few years
engaged in a long-term strategy of
identifying, and investing in, directly
sourced critical electronic compo-
nents.
6
TEC Magazine • March 2019