The Purchasing Department’s Nightmare

You want what? And when? And how many?

Working in a purchasing department for a company that uses  electronics components can be routine, but not always. At times, it can be a bit too exciting. For example, when the MD tells you that a certain electronic component is essential to fulfilling a major order, and you have to tell him it is no longer available from the manufacturer or any of your usual suppliers.

It’s no good pointing out that the component has not been manufactured for 2 years: it is essential. It’s no good pointing out that the production team should have told you about the problem weeks ago. You need to track down the required stock, and fast. If not, the loss of the order, and the consequent cost to the company, will be laid at your door.

The way out of the nightmare

That’s where a specialist supplier comes to your rescue. They have access to a vast number of components from sources all over the world and they give you real-time access to their component stock levels. The access is online through their website, so you can access it from almost anywhere: from your phone on the train, if needs be.

The stock level information is updated in real time, so you know it is accurate and up to date. And it’s available 24/7, so they are there to help even if your purchasing nightmare starts, as they do, at 6pm on Friday night.

It’s very simple to use: you just need the part number.  Enter that into the part search on the site, and job done.  If you haven’t got the part number spot on, don’t worry.  The site lists results for all the close matches, so will probably show you what you want anyway.  It also shows a longer variants list of not-so-close matches.  Even if you only have half of the part number, or only enter half of it correctly, you will still probably find what you want.

The results show the quantity available.  Sending a RFQ is as simple as buying on Amazon.  Add the quantity you want to the basket, and indicate your target price.  When you’ve found everything you need enter your contact details and click the button that says “Submit RFQ”.

A Reliable Supplier of Obsolete Electronic Components

Having the required components in stock is just the start of the  service.  They also make sure that the components will perform as expected.

They offer component testing, and can run the appropriate tests for a wide range of components.  Just let them know the tests you need, and how many components to run them on, and they will do the rest, then give you the results.

Counterfeit components are a constant threat, especially for higher value components.  Some companies are particularly wary of sourcing from the Far East due to a perceived risk of counterfeits. A good supplier takes the worry out of this.  They have a wide network of trusted contacts.  They have years of experience of recognising good suppliers, and bad.  And they are full members of ERAI, who supply them with up to date information on managing all the risks of counterfeit components.

Some obsolete parts pre-date current health and safety legislation, especially about hazardous substances such as lead in solder.  It may be illegal to buy and use these components, under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation.  That’s why top quality suppliers  offers RoHS Conversion, which makes the components both safe and legal to use.

 

Helping You To Sell As Well As Buy

Experts  can help you to sell your excess electronic stock, as well as to buy the components you need.  Every purchasing department sometimes purchases too much.  Usually because someone else, often the marketing department, gave a false picture of the quantities required.

It can also be because of technical advances: a superior component comes along, and the old one is no longer required.  Plus, just after the post-COVID component crisis eased many companies brought enough components to last for a long time, just in case.  Now that the normal supply of components has resumed, they are realising this is no longer required.

Whatever that cause, it’s not good to have components that do nothing but gather dust and take up space.  That’s where the specialists comes in.  You spent money to buy the components: they help you  sell the components and get some money back.  They turn redundant components into cash.  They simply use their years of experience, their knowledge of the marketplace, and their worldwide web of business contacts, into a good deal for you.

A Long Term Partnership

In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, and the chaos it caused, a lot of new companies popped up offering obsolete and hard-to-find electronic components.  For a year or two, things went well for them.  Now the component supply chain is back to normal, and things are not going so well.  For the ones that thought the good times would last forever, and spent accordingly, times are getting hard.  Cutting costs is hard when you have signed up for expensive leases, and expensive employment contracts.

Others knew better, because they have been in the business longer.  They have seen it all before.  They know that the booms will be short term.  They have come through many booms, and busts, over the years.  That’s why they are a reliable long-term partner.

They are also good at staff retention.  That means the people you speak to have a very good, long term understanding of the market.  It also means they get to understand you and your company, and the best way to work with you.  They know that keeping good staff is the first step to keeping good customers.

Essex Is A Good Location

London is of course the commercial and transport centre of the country.  It’s also the most expensive part of the country to run a business.  If you are dealing with a London company then you are helping pay the highest costs in the country for office space and staff.

Essex is, of course, much cheaper, but it’s almost as convenient.

Obsolete Components: Who Needs Them?

In fact, obsolete electronic components are critical across a wide range of industries where equipment must remain operational long after certain parts have been discontinued.

Aerospace and Defence

Aircraft systems, radar equipment and other military hardware stays in service for a long time, usually much longer than the production of the components they rely on.  Reliable sourcing of obsolete components is essential to keeping these systems at operational readiness.

Automotive and Transport

Vehicles and railway systems frequently rely on discontinued sensors, relays and control modules. For example, the Class 37 diesel-electric locomotive has been in use in the UK for more than 60 years.  Finding genuine replacements is essential for extending the lifespan of these systems.

Medical and Healthcare

Medical devices and diagnostic equipment must remain functional for many years. Obsolete electronic components play a crucial role in keeping these systems functioning, and still meeting their strict regulatory requirements.

Telecommunications

Network infrastructure, from legacy routers to switching equipment, often uses components that have reached end-of-life. Sourcing these parts ensures uninterrupted service, enables pre-emptive maintenance and reduces downtime.