» NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
» NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS Source: Rebound Electronics “We owe our success to the drive and determination of our team which ensures we meet and exceed the level of service our clients have expected of us for the past 19 years,” says Rebound Source: Rebound Electronics Digitalisation can help prevent supply chain problems About the author Jeff Brind is the Chief Information Officer at Rebound Electronics, a privately-owned independent electronic components distributor experienced in supply chain management. that future demand. This is particularly useful for orders that use hard-to-source components and those that are currently experiencing a shortage. 5. Warehouses are more efficient A digitalised warehouse is more operationally efficient through the use of AI systems, automation and improved access to data. AI systems can work out the shortest, most efficient walking routes through the warehouse and they can also be used to better position the inventory for ease of access to the most popular parts. Robotics can be used for loading and unloading pallets, moving cargo and more, resulting in a far more streamlined warehouse. 6. It is easier to manage inventory Digital stock management is more efficient and less susceptible to human error. Stock levels can be monitored remotely and in real time, and parts or compontents can be automatically ordered once stock drops below a set level. With traditional ordering methods, it is easy to underorder or miss a delivery date, which could result in the loss of a sale if a product is out of stock. On the other hand, overordering can result in excess stock that could become obsolete and need offloading, and at the least will result in additional storage costs. 7. Transit becomes more efficient Cloud-based GPS and BLE asset tracking increases the availability of data for supply chains, providing real-time insights into the status and location of assets, even when they are in transit. The efficiency of the fleet can also be drastically improved by analysing route efficiency and traffic conditions. 8. Labour can be used more effectively By investing in automation technology, employees can be put to work more efficiently. Automation programs can take over many menial and administrative tasks (and even complete them outside of business hours), while employees can focus on the more complex tasks that only they can do, meaning that more important work can be completed during a typical shift. Employees also won’t have to work longer hours to complete these routine tasks, where increased fatigue could increase the occurrence of costly errors. To sum up... Digitalisation is essential for any manufacturing business that wants to remain competitive in the modern climate. As these benefits demonstrate, the question is not ‘should you make your supply chain digital?’, but ‘how soon can you start?’. reboundeu.com 10 EPP Europe » 11 | 2022
Boost for U.S. semiconductor industry Biden signs U.S. Chips and Science Act into law President Biden has signed an Executive Order to facilitate the implementation of the bipartisan Chips and Science Act. The long-awaited piece of legislation which includes measures to provide USD 52 billion dollars to the country‘s semiconductor industry to mitigate supply shortages and boost domestic manufacturing of chips. Sometimes known just as the Chips Act, the new policy is aimed at strengthening U.S. science and technology innovation, but also addresses concerns that the country is too reliant on Asian manufacturers of chips. After months of revisions, the bill passed the Senate on 27 July and was approved by the House of Representatives on 28 July in a vote of 243-187. President Biden signed it into law on 25 August 2022. In addition to billons of dollars of subsidies, the legislative measures include the provision of billions of dollars worth of tax incentives to chipmakers to encourage them to build semiconductor fabrication plants or ‘fabs’ in the United States rather than elsewhere. In January, Intel revealed plans to build billion chip plant near Columbus, Ohio but postponed its ceremonial address at the site in July while it waited for Congress to pass the Chips Act. The U.S. currently accounts for 12% of global semiconductor manufacturing; in 1990, its share was 37%. Speaking on 26 July in a meeting with CEOs and Labor Leaders on the importance of passing the bill, President Biden said, “America invented the semiconductor. It’s time to bring it home.” Source: Pixabay 8 processes with infinite possibilities! When soldering high-mass or large boards, a particularly effective and easily controlled soldering process is of great importance. With the vapour phase soldering systems of the Condenso series, you will succeed in achieving the best soldering results even with these requirements – for a good take-off and a safe landing. #VapourPhaseSoldering #Avionics www.rehm-group.com Anzeige_EPP_Condenso.indd 1 30.09.2022 10:56:53 30.09.2022 10:56:53 EPP Europe » 11 | 2022 11
