- As Skills Gap Widens, Firms Seek Automation, Creativity Dec 07, 2018 A worsening labor outlook will send manufacturers in search of productivity-enhancing solutions and even higher-skilled workers—in 2019 and beyond.
- Industry Reaps Benefits of a High-Tech World Oct 29, 2018 Electronics sector stays strong as technology demand remains in high gear. The outlook for the electronics sector remains strong through the end of the year, helped in large part by continuing demand for better, faster technology-driven solutions in all aspects of business and consumer life. Some recent industry reports underscore the trend and point to growing demand for technology that drives the need for more components and solutions from suppliers up and down the electronics supply channel.
- Trade Woes Continue Despite Strong Economy Aug 21, 2018 Industrial economy maintains solid pace as trade wars, tariff concerns loom large. Business continues at a strong clip up and down the supply channel, despite growing concerns about the long-term effects of the Trump administration’s trade policies. A smattering of economic data released early this month underscored the positive state of the U.S. economy heading into the third quarter while also emphasizing the potential fallout from tariff-related activity that continues to heat up. The threat of rising costs and declining exports remain long-term concerns for manufacturing and supply chain-related businesses, even as they deal with the current busy climate and an increasing number of orders.
- Keeping a Close Eye on Tariffs Jul 24, 2018 Uncertainty clouds the economic outlook under threat of escalating trade wars, industry watchers say.
- Positive Outlook Persists Jul 09, 2018 A host of economic indicators point to strong but moderating economic growth, driven by demand for high tech products and solutions.
- 5 Top Issues Affecting Global Supply Chains Jun 07, 2018 A handful of issues and trends could impact global supply chains in 2018, most notably complications surrounding Brexit and the ongoing political turmoil.
- Manufacturing Outlook: Best in 10 Years Mar 19, 2018 Economic conditions are coming together to create a solid outlook for the U.S. industrial and manufacturing sector this year, buoyed by a global economic rebound, falling U.S. dollar, and the passage of business-friendly tax reform here at home. In its first manufacturing outlook for 2018, the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation says it expects the best output performance from U.S. manufacturing in more than a decade – nearly doubling its three-year outlook from last November for a return to pre-recession levels.
- Technology Drives Opportunity in 2018 Feb 08, 2018 As the technology revolution continues, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) top the list of technologies that are transforming the business and consumer landscape. The electronic components industry remains at the heart of that transformation, developing the products and solutions that are increasingly in demand in both sectors...
- Buyers Sharpen Skills to Build Value in 2018 Dec 18, 2017 Purchasing and supply managers will balance the need to sharpen traditional skills with growing demand for a more comprehensive supply chain education when it comes to professional development in 2018.
- End-of-Year Volatility Masks Industry Growth Nov 02, 2017 Lingering effects of the hurricane season present headwinds to short-term manufacturing growth, but long-term outlook still calls for modest improvement through 2020.
- Wearable Technology Drives Demand for Smart Sensors Worldwide Sep 28, 2017 Sales of wearable devices to grow 17% this year, spurring demand for smart sensors in everything from consumer to industrial applications.
- Economy Improves, Brexit Looms Sep 12, 2017 As industries worldwide awake from their post-crisis slumber, geopolitical concerns—especially Brexit—cast shadows on growth potential.
- Defense Exports Set to Decline Jul 25, 2017 New report shows global defense exports will slide in 2018, though U.S. remains global leader.
- Industry Outlook Calls for Moderate Growth Jun 27, 2017 Manufacturing economy improves, but industry watchers say moderation is still the norm.
- Companies Battle New Threats to Business Continuity Jun 06, 2017 Managing risk gets more complex as the ripple effects of terrorism place new stress on supply chains.
- Responsible Sourcing Takes a Step Forward with ISO 20400 Apr 28, 2017 ISO’s recently launched sustainable procurement standard helps buyers understand the “what, and why” of responsible sourcing.
- Strategic Sourcing Alters Supply Chain Landscape Mar 28, 2017 Supply chain risk is taking on a larger role in electronics purchasing as geopolitical, environmental and other factors weigh heavy on buyers’ minds when sourcing new products. The trend continues in 2017, cementing a gradual change in sourcing from low-cost regions—especially China. As organizations seek to diversify their supply chains and reduce risks by sourcing closer to where their products are made, sourcing from China is less about cost and more about strategy.
- More Companies Seek Sustainable Procurement Practices Feb 28, 2017 Better brand protection, fewer supply disruptions, and social awareness are three reasons electronic components buyers should consider implementing sustainable procurement programs.
- Three Supply Chain Risks to Watch in 2017 Jan 20, 2017 Avoiding supply disruption and containing costs remain top responsibilities in the purchasing department. But when it comes to managing risk, buyers have much more to consider in 2017. Today’s complex global supply chains are adding issues to the plates of buyers throughout the manufacturing community, creating a greater need to develop resiliency up and down the supply channel.
- Manufacturers Seek Return to Growth with New Administration Dec 08, 2016 The biggest problem for the U.S. manufacturing economy remains a lack of strong growth, but question marks surrounding policy changes stemming from a new administration in Washington are giving many hope for improvement as 2016 comes to a close. Although most economists say they expect modest growth in U.S. manufacturing next year, they also point to the potential for political changes to affect the manufacturing supply channel—and they note that the waiting game continues for a return to pre-recession manufacturing levels.
