The medical device industry often looks to independent distributors to address chronic shortages in the availability of electronic components. Direct sourcing of electronic components for the medical device industry used to be pretty simple. An OEM would order direct from the manufacturer or through authorized distributors to obtain any required components. There was usually no need to look any further.

Reliable independent stocking distributors ensure that they get components they need, when they need them. (Credit: Classic Components)

Today, the challenges of a highly stressed supply chain are forcing many medical device OEMs to rethink the way they source components. With parts such as multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and other low-cost components in chronic shortage with extended lead times for delivery, manufacturers must be able to get these parts on time at the lowest possible cost without assuming additional risk.

As a result, many are turning to independent or hybrid distributors for long lead-time parts. The primary caveat: the components must meet the specifications, thereby avoiding compromising the integrity of the end product. In other words, medical device manufacturers want components that can be traced back to the original manufacturer.

For many companies, sourcing parts from the independent channel requires a significant shift in mindset. It also requires a comprehensive strategy for identifying and working with reliable independent stocking distributors to ensure they get components they need, when they need them.

For medical device manufacturers, there has been harmony in the supply chain for most of the past decade, so the need to identify alternative suppliers has not been as pressing as it is now. That means many companies have not invested a lot of time or attention strategizing about how to use independent distribution channels effectively.

The process begins with understanding how to distinguish one independent distributor from another. This often comes down to a mixture of experience, reputation, and the extent of the supplier's global supply network. Therefore, it is critical to understand what type of quality management systems are in place at independent partners.

Know Your Source

Eliminating risk includes knowing how to inspect and test components. (Credit: Classic Components)

The industry mantra to eliminate risk when sourcing electronic parts is “know your source.” To accomplish this, leading independent distributors invest millions to manage global supply networks, rate/prioritize suppliers, establish preferred supplier relationships and acquire the latest inspection equipment, and utilize effective quality management systems.

Over time, companies such as Classic Components, for example, have developed a very complex method of identifying and eliminating risk. That includes knowing how to inspect and test components that come into their facilities, but also goes well beyond that.

It also means analyzing and inspecting sources with an investigative diligence. What path did the parts take to get there? Who is the manufacturer, and how is that relevant? Where was it made? How was it shipped and packaged? Is demand of a component strong enough to make its availability viable? Only thorough examination and assessment of all these factors, in conjunction with traceability, can the risk be truly mitigated.

When components like MLCCs are purchased, for example, they should be purchased from a direct source.

That could be a regional or foreign distributor, an OEM partner, or direct from the factory.

To verify the chain of custody, traceability documentation should be provided that identifies the name and location of all the supply chain intermediaries from the part manufacturer to the direct source of the product. If this traceability is unavailable, a risk mitigation plan should be required. Finally, visual inspection, testing, and physical analysis should be performed on all incoming products.

Purchasing Power

The truth is that many of the shortages were predicted some time ago. As a result, leading independent stocking distributors have spent the past few years engaged in a long-term strategy of identifying, and investing in, directly sourced critical electronic components.

By doing this, independent distributors not only protect the supply, but they are also able to lock in lower prices by making purchases before the inevitable changes driven by reduced supply and increased demand.

To protect high-volume orders, a distributor can lock in prices and delivery dates for many months at a time. This ensures that the inventory will be there when the customer needs it and not sold to someone else.

In some cases, they can even make speculative purchases for a customer and/or provide financing to purchase inventory when a qualified client has capital constraints.

Global Networks

Another direct source for high-demand parts comes from tapping into a large global network. Because of the worldwide demand for components, independent distributors have expanded globally and placed sourcing experts in key supply markets.

Some distributors have regional offices in strategic locations throughout the world to support its global distribution business. These companies employ experts who specialize in various aspects of the business, including supply chain, quality, technology, and logistics.

The buyers can develop an intimate knowledge of regional supply chains with the expertise to find and manage quality component suppliers. These experts then leverage these relationships to bring the best price and delivery to their customers.

By using regional quality centers and logistic hubs, these distributors have the flexibility to purchase components from any country, in any currency, and then ship them to anywhere they are needed.

For example, a customer in Mexico may want components from Taiwan due to limited availability. If the Taiwanese supplier will only sell to local companies, a global distributor can purchase the components from its satellite office located there. Later, the stock can be transferred or sold to another branch office before it is ultimately delivered to the customer in Mexico. Such global logistics can also help to manage or avoid tariffs by shipping to and from international hubs in Hong Kong and the UK.

Rigorous Vetting

Another way to validate the reliability of the independent distributor is to ensure that they are thoroughly vetted. Established companies are used to complying with frequent requests for audits. In fact, some of the robustness of the quality systems implemented by independent distributors can be attributed to continuous improvement that comes through frequent internal and external audits.

Continuing Shortages

With significant shortages in many high usage electronic products needed in the medical device industry expected to continue for at least the next 2–3 years, the independent distributors’ seat at the electronic components sourcing table has never been more relevant.

Through investment in developing deep global networks, inspection, authentication, inspection, and quality systems, independent stocking distributors stand ready to provide medical device OEMs a robust option to navigate the white waters of international supply nimbly, effectively, and without the risk.

This article was written by Mike Thomas, Vice President and Global General Manager at Classic Components, Torrance, CA. For more information, visit here .