WoTS parrot takes flight: Arrow Electronics about the components

There is a whole team behind the colorful appearance of the WoTS parrot. The World of Electronics 2022 trade fair gadget is a voice recorder in the shape of a parrot. Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into creating this electronic poultry. Regional sales manager Huub Vergouwen van Arrow Electronics (stand no. 9B029) explains how some crucial components were chosen.

 The expertise of Arrow Electronics was called in to take care of the components of the WoTS parrot. “We were approached by FHI with the question whether we wanted to sponsor components for the WoTS parrot,” Vergouwen explains. “The design of the trade fair gadget was already ready. Dekimo took care of the design, so we contacted them directly. A number of ICs, and the processor that was in the design, were not in stock. If we had to order this specific processor, it would never arrive on time.”

Global scarcity
Ordering the originally planned components was not an option. The corona crisis and later the war in Ukraine caused a global shortage. “We therefore consulted with the Dekimo team to choose alternative components. By searching our own inventory, we found available materials that may have met the desired specifications of the original processors. Once we found these alternatives, we immediately reserved stock for the parrot. In this way, risks were removed, because the desired quantity of components could be delivered on time. The required NFC chip, for example, was in sufficient supply so that did not cause any problems. (NFC stands for Near Field Communication. ed.). Ultimately, we were able to deliver the processor and the NFC chip on time.”

Design phase
According to Vergouwen, Arrow has a large number of services so that possible material shortages can be responded to in a timely manner. The company has many channels, including branches in Asia, America and Europe. If there are no more stocks in those branches, two digital channels are available. “If the desired equipment is not available there, our sister company Converge can offer assistance,” Vergouwen explains. “They can look for materials on the open market. If that doesn't work, we ask Silicon Expert for help. They have a large component database in which possible alternatives can be found quick fix to offer a solution. Finally, if all these channels do not lead to the desired result, help is available redesign a possibility."

It is preferable for suppliers to be involved in projects from the design phase, says Vergouwen: “This way we can think about the components. Are the desired materials available in the short and long term? And is the project feasible given the delivery times of a solution or should other technology be used? The sooner we know what the customer wants, the sooner we can purchase the components. If we are involved in the process at a later stage, we can look for alternatives if necessary.”

Huge impact
It is clear that component and material shortages have a huge impact on the industrial electronics sector. It is still unclear what the future will bring. Vergouwen thinks that the scarcity will eventually disappear, but not in the short term: “The corona crisis is still going on and is even occurring again in other parts of the world. A number of companies are slowly increasing capacity, but at the same time the handbrake remains on. You are dealing with predicted growth compared to demand. However, manufacturers are reluctant because they do not want to be left with an immense stock if it turns out to be a bubble and demand is not that great in practice. In the Netherlands we see that demand remains very high.”

Foresight remains important for business success. “It is wise for customers to plan ahead as much as possible and think about the desired components. By acting quickly, you avoid being at the back of the queue in the event of a crisis of any kind. Advice and a large component database make the difference,” says Vergouwen.

Name
Huub Vergouwen
Organization
Arrow Electronics 
Parrot project function
Components supply and selection
Job description
Regional sales manager