The shortage of electronic components is a global issue that is affecting all sectors. As packaging machinery manufacturers we are also immersed in this crisis, as we find that we cannot guarantee our customers the delivery of their projects or provide immediate solutions to possible after-sales service issues. In the following article we will analyze the origin of the crisis of the shortage of electronic components, when it began to worsen and what alternatives we can offer.
The origin of the shortage of the lack of electronic components
The origin of the crisis of electronic components and raw materials has its beginnings after the Covid-19 pandemic. Telecommuting and the rise of digital tools (not only in industry, but also at home) has led to an increase in demand for electronics and semiconductors. The market has not been able to face with the high demand, consequently, it has caused a shortage of electronic components and raw material that, as manufacturers of packaging machinery, affected our activity.
As a result of this crisis, we have had to adapt to the market situation and look for alternative solutions and, above all, plan and anticipate. Faced with the shortage of electronic components and the increase in their prices, Barcelona Packaging Hub’s associates have implemented various alternatives, for instance, homologating compatible components or redesigning cards in order to find a way to continue manufacturing with the same functionality that the electronic card used to have. In addition, we have seen a change in perspective: electronic cards are no longer designed based on needs, first the availability of components on the market is analyzed and, depending on the available stock, the design is made to achieve the objective of the card’s operation.
Phases: When did this crisis worsen?
The supply crisis of electronic components has developed in different phases. After the coronavirus pandemic, which affected us worldwide, there have been some initial circumstances of shortages of raw materials and electronic components that a priori were not too alarming. Subsequently, when it became clear that supplies were no longer as expected, the first difficulties began to be noticed, such as transport, lack of supply, etc.
Solutions to deal with the electronic components’ crisis
As manufacturers of packaging machinery, we have been constantly looking for alternatives and, thanks to the constant support and communication among the companies that are part of the Barcelona Packaging Hub, we have shared various solutions to face this crisis.
Marc Pascual, It, Service & Support Director, of United Barcode Systems, one of the founding partners of Barcelona Packaging Hub, indicates that several of the projects carried out could not be completed due to the lack of a component. The lack of components has a number of consequences. Firstly, it is impossible to guarantee the customer a complete solution for his packaging line. Secondly, as Jordi Martín, Director of Jorpack, points out, the increase in costs implies a lack of knowledge of the real cost of the project, since the final cost cannot be known until the project is delivered to the customer. Therefore, it is not only a time delay, but also a price increase that has a direct impact on the final machinery.
At the end of the day, packaging machinery manufacturers have adapted to the new reality, with the same equipment and betting on the search for alternative solutions to face this crisis.
We invite you to watch the complete webinar on how Barcelona Packaging Hub companies are facing the crisis of raw materials and electronic components. (turn on English subtitles)
