EMA Supply Chain Panel Session at Axiom Electronics

Thursday, March 8, 2018

 As part of our Lunch & Learn series of Events, Axiom Electronics and the EMA hosted a panel discussion on Supply Chain. Our Host at Axiom was Michele Jordan and lunch was provided by the Corner Bakery

Attendees participated in a lively interaction between our panel of experts composed of Linda Albert, General Manager from Allied Electronics; Carl Moehring, owner of Boardshark PCB and Karen Schelert, Purchasing Manager at PECO Astronics with Ruth Conner, EMA Chair as moderator.

Many areas were discussed including:

  1. Ordering now is generally done electronically via internet and email along with web-based media forms.
  2. Quoting format has changed to the current requirement of immediate values. This causes a myriad of issues including requiring more timely information; the need for more complete information and logistic determinations. We still need to answer the basics- What-When-Where-How Much?
  3. LEAN is still the best format for our industry along with Continuous Improvement. Sourcing should be an upfront discussion as well as realistic scheduling plans. Partnering is very important especially where size of order drives the outcome and delivery.
  4. Pricing stability can be driven by good alignment with partners and customers. Shortages need careful monitoring to avoid excessive price for “next day delivery”.

Our entire panel agreed that communication is THE KEY to accomplishing good supply chain management.

EMA will be returning to Axiom on April 19th for a factory tour of this leading edge factory.  Check the Events Page for details and registration.