As an electronics manufacturer, you’re likely familiar with this scenario: while planning your new product, do you design your products with the latest cutting-edge components? Or do you stick with the trusted component you’ve been using for years, knowing that it will reliably perform for your application?
But it’s so shiny
The benefit of designing in the new component is that, aside from typically better performance, you’re future proofing the design for a certain amount of time. Since this part is new to the market there’s a good chance it’ll be around for a few years due to active production, marketing, and promotion.
The downside of using new parts is that they’re untested in the real world. Even though the potential performance benefits are attractive, this doesn’t always outweigh the reliability factor of older, proven components. Components that have been on the market for a while often incorporate performance iterations and have proven their mettle in a variety of products and applications for years. Use of these older parts creates products that are reliable, and reliable products create a reputable brand – translating into dollar signs for your company.
An oldie but a goodie
As your company moves forward with product development, the need for a reliable component may rule out incorporating bleeding-edge parts. At this point it will be in your best interest to plan for the future, thinking about your options regarding access to a consistent supply of this older component.
You could choose to warehouse your components, but a recent article in Fierce Electronics highlights the fact that “most manufacturing companies have given up their own parts warehouses because they tie up too many resources”, and instead proposes that working with distributors utilizing their own warehouses as an alternative to stocking your own parts.
Specialists in obsolete and end-of-life sourcing
While we indeed work with our customers to supply the latest components, Chip Stock also specializes in helping you find parts facing limited supply due to popularity, or older, proven parts that are near end-of-life or even obsolete. Between our own well-stocked component warehouses and our tightly integrated supply network, you can lean on us to find the parts you need.
If you’re designing a product using older parts, or are currently in production with a component that’s no longer on the “hot list”, reach out to us. Chip Stock team members can help you understand the landscape around the availability of the parts you need, supplying valuable information for your production planning.