Delivery problems are the biggest bottleneck for FHI members

The various FHI sectors show a varying picture in the second quarter of 2021 when asked to what extent they are affected by the ongoing corona crisis. Members in the Industrial Electronics branch have been more affected by the consequences of the pandemic, for example chip shortages, while companies in the Industrial Automation branch have been more positive.

That image emerges from the latest economic barometer. Viewed across all industries, the most pressing problem is a lack of supply of products and parts. Once again, the chip shortage plays an important role in this. At the same time, there are fewer concerns in the second quarter about order books, declines in turnover and illness among staff. FHI member companies have also had to take fewer measures, although the NOW wage support scheme remains popular. Furthermore, the need for borrowed credit appears to have increased. The increased positivity can also be seen in the assessment of the latest turnover figures.

Within the Building Automation sector Optimism has grown: significantly fewer members expect to get into trouble than during previous quarters of the pandemic. Like many other FHI industries, GA members are affected by the supply of parts and products. Some companies indicate that they have attracted credit or are using less flexible staff. Furthermore, a positive mood prevails towards the coming quarters.

Members of the Industrial Automation sector have become increasingly optimistic in recent quarters. Nearly 60 percent now indicate that they no longer expect any problems. Nevertheless, all respondents are concerned about slow deliveries of goods and parts and there are concerns about a low response to vacancies now that the market is picking up again. A majority sees the near future financially brighter with growing turnover and order expectations.

In the Industrial Electronics sector Many respondents are still suffering from the crisis: 46 percent say they are still in this phase. About 43 percent indicate that they experience no negative effects of the pandemic on their business operations. The blocked international supply lines are a particular problem for IP members: almost 87 percent say they are encountering this problem. A quarter of the members still use the NOW scheme and supplies are being purchased in larger quantities. Optimism can be seen when it comes to expected future turnover.

Problems due to the pandemic or expected problems are still with a majority of the members of the Laboratory Technology sector to detect. There are also still concerns about problems in the supply chain. Just over a quarter of LT members still use NOW. Approximately 50 percent of respondents indicate that the order position is better than a year ago and a majority are moderately optimistic about possible growth in the coming period.

Among the respondents of the Medical Technology sector a stabilization can be seen compared to the previous quarter. Approximately 30 percent are still experiencing problems due to corona, but 60 percent are no longer experiencing problems. Once again, the problem with disrupted supplies takes the cake when asked about the biggest bottleneck, although concerns about a smaller order portfolio are also significant. Looking at turnover, companies see small improvements.