One solution to supply chain disruption is holding on to excess inventory just in case — but safety stock can make a bad problem worse if improperly stored.
Material disruptions lasting for a month or longer affect the automotive, aerospace, and computers and electronics industries every 3.7 years on average, with shorter disruptions occurring more frequently. Average supply chain disruption losses equal 42% of one year’s earnings — and skyrocket up to 66.8% for industries like aerospace.
Inventory solutions such as safety stock must be paired with safe electronic storage practices to avoid becoming a liability.
Why Is It Important To Properly Store Electronic Safety Stock?
Most failures in electronic products stem from failures in their electronic components. At best, this can lead to costly recalls or reputation damage from poor-quality products. At worst, component failures in critical industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and defense, can endanger lives. Making a plan for safe electronic storage practices isn’t just good protection for your investment, it’s a corporate social responsibility.
Corrosion is the most dominant culprit of storage degradation, and it’s particularly prevalent in SWaP-optimized electronics because integrated circuits with more components in smaller areas make it easier for damage to spread. Here’s how:
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
The impact of heat on capacitors, transistors, connectors, switches, and other components is well documented to cause damage such as electrolyte leakage, changes in capacitance, and oxidation of contact points. Similarly, moisture can cause rust, conductivity loss, and short circuits.
DUST
Dust and storage often go hand-in-hand, which is fine for low-value items that can be wiped off but absolutely not for electronics. In addition to connectivity issues between internal components, electricity can jump between connections in an electric arc, which is a major fire risk: 50 to 75% of all electrical home fires in the U.S. are attributed to arc faults.
AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS
Oceanview real estate costs aside, those near the coast may pay for it if proper measures aren’t taken to prevent sodium chloride contamination — the most common moisture-borne contaminant. Industrial environments often have high levels of other airborne contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen chloride.
POOR MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY PRACTICES
Handling residues can occur from skin contact during the manufacturing process from skin oils and hand creams. Even a low voltage electrostatic discharge (ESD) event like static electricity can cause damage to electronics; it only takes 10 volts to damage hard drive components. Furthermore, the activators in rosin, a soldering flux for electronics assembly, can oxidize with exposure to organic solvents or saponified (soapy) water.
How To Safely Store Electronic Inventory
Get organized
Establish which of your stock is most vulnerable to which elements, and group them according to handling requirements and lifespan — and be sure to apply clear labels with the necessary information. Use dividers to segregate different batches so that corrosion can only spread so far if it occurs.
Keep heat and water out
The ideal storage environment is no greater than 60% relative humidity at 30 °C. If possible, store in an area that offers controls for both temperature and humidity. If you don’t have access to a dedicated storage area or clean room, vacuum-sealed protective packaging, dry boxes, or vertical lifts are all good inventory solutions. Simple sealable plastic bags can be paired with a silicone desiccant to keep dust out of electronics with a low level of risk when exposed to moisture or ESD.
Choose improved materials
Selecting electronic components with built-in corrosion protection technologies is a proactive strategy to boost material and product lifespans. As PCBs become more integrated into consumer electronics through Internet of Things (IoT) products, the demand for global conformal coatings has grown to increase product lifecycles. The global conformal coatings market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from $940.8 million in 2022 to $1,392.8 million by 2029.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE BIG PICTURE
Corrosion can occur at any point in a product’s lifecycle, not just when it’s in storage. Have a plan to ensure components are safe during manufacturing, assembly, and transport, in addition to well-documented electronic storage practices.
Usually, electronic component shortages follow a predictable boom and bust cycle. If you choose to keep electronic safety stock on hand, it is important to consider in advance how you will store your excess inventory so that it remains in good condition while on your shelves.
Read more:
● Holding Onto Safety Stock? Put Your Excess Electronic Inventory to Work