The complexity of the ongoing semiconductor shortages tests supply chains worldwide. Here are 3 contributing factors.
With 2022 well underway, we are tracking the ongoing challenges and changes in the semiconductor industry, including global semiconductor shortages. Long lead times and sourcing continue to dominate the headlines. But, behind this are complex factors including the realities of global supply chain dynamics and the critical importance of quality assurance.
While it’s impossible to unpack every variable in a global supply chain, there are a few critical aspects to this shortage that we are watching closely. Below, we outline three of the most impactful factors, which we will address in more depth on this blog in our upcoming series on the current semiconductor shortages.
1. Quality Assurance
Shortages create strain on the supply chain, often limiting the availability of normal supply channels to meet demand. But, working with new, untested suppliers introduces an element of the unknown. When the integrity of the components is paramount, you need to understand how the suppliers ensure quality product.
Independent distributors can use exacting standards in line with your organization’s practices. In our upcoming post, we’ll cover the industry’s best practices and certifications that you should look for when seeking out the best in quality assurance for electronic components.
READ MORE: ASSURING QUALITY DURING THE SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE OF 2022
2. Substrates
One of the many supply chain factors driving the global semiconductor shortages is substrates, also known as wafers. Some sources are reporting that improvements in substrate supply could early this year, but Intel has offered up 2023 as the more likely timeframe for resolution. In our upcoming post on the substrate market, we will offer our take on how this developing topic is impacting the overall picture of semiconductor shortages.
READ MORE: ABF SUBSTRATE SHORTAGES: SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES 2022 — PART 2
3. Packaging
Resolving ongoing chip shortages will require the stabilization of many complex supply chain factors that underlie the final product, including the last key step in semiconductor manufacturing: packaging. Ensuring protection from intrusion of chemicals and humidity, as well as impacts and vibration, packaging is paramount to the chip-making process.
The industry is working to respond to demands for packaging. Are ongoing investments like Intel’s expansion in Malaysia enough to meet demands? We’ll address the packaging shortages in more detail, along with possibilities for how this aspect of the semiconductor shortages may resolve.
READ MORE: SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGING SHORTAGES: SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES 2022 – PART 3
Join us here for in-depth coverage of these three topics and more as the challenges of semiconductor shortages in 2022 continue to unfold.
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Read more:
- 4 Ways to Monetize Excess Inventory During a Component Shortage
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- To Survive In The Electronics Shortage Market, Get Help Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience