5 tips for dealing with the PCB shortage

5 tips for dealing with the PCB shortage

The recent shortage of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has been a massive source of stress for countless companies and industries. No one is immune to the effects of the shortage, and we’re likely to feel the effects for at least a couple more years.

But there are a few things you can do to weather the effects of the PCB shortage with a little more ease. Here are five tips for navigating the PCB shortage:

Pay attention to component lifecycles when purchasing PCBs.

In this context, “component lifecycle” refers to how long a given component will be available from the manufacturer. For example, a manufacturer may guarantee that a certain component will be in production for at least ten more years. This is important to know when planning long-term production cycles. You don’t want to design your product around a vital component made by a company that’s just a year away from shutting its doors.

It’s worth noting that many companies are currently sunsetting certain components and are planning to cease production. Usually, the company will send out a “last chance to buy!” email before their final production run, so customers have a chance to place a big order if desired. A customer might decide to order enough units to last them for 5-10 years, knowing that they’ll need to find an alternative solution when their stock runs out.

Choose domestic when considering PCB manufacturers and suppliers.

There are several benefits to working with domestic manufacturers, but one of the big ones is supply chain stability. Domestic logistics tend to be more predictable, which offers you some protection from the volatility of the global supply chain. Plus, domestic supply chains are usually less complex, which means there are fewer opportunities for unexpected disruptions.

Domestic business relationships also offer a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. Communication is much easier when everyone’s located in the same time zone—or at least within an hour or two. You can arrange on-site visits on short notice, without the hassle of international travel. And if something truly nightmarish disrupts the supply chain, picking up your parts in your own car is always an option.

Find a way to get more PCB electrical engineering assets.

PCBs and PCB components are going out of stock every day, which is forcing many companies to make last-minute changes to their design or scramble for an alternative supplier. But a lot of companies simply don’t have enough experts on staff to help them manage these constant pivots. They’re trapped in a vicious cycle, unable to produce new designs before another wave of shortages forces them to start over—yet again.

The most obvious solution is to hire more electrical engineers and designers to help the company keep pace with the rapid shifts in the industry. But this isn’t always a practical option. The hiring process can take a long time, especially given the current state of the employment market. And some companies simply don’t have the budget to add more full-time employees to their teams.

Thankfully, there’s another option. A reputable PCB manufacturing and design firm can serve as an extension for your in-house team, especially if they have their own engineering team. An external partner can turn around fast, high-quality designs and help you find creative solutions when dealing with shortages or delays. With the support of an external partner, you can maintain your production timelines—and your revenue targets.

Be careful what you buy.

When shortages and supply chain issues are causing major disruption in a given market, scammers are likely to prey on companies who are desperate for parts. Counterfeit components and dubious vendors are a real problem.

This is another area where a consulting firm can help. With years of experience in the PCB market, a good manufacturing and design company can spot bad deals and save you from the cost and heartache of a scam purchase.

Plus, experienced firms will have longstanding relationships with reputable suppliers. You can lean on their expertise when it comes to quality procurement, even when the supply chain is unpredictable.

Avoid exotic PCB components whenever possible.

An “exotic component” is simply a component that’s difficult to find, even when the PCB supply chain is stable. Usually, a component is deemed “exotic” because it’s difficult to find, only comes from a few sources, or performs a unique function that isn’t in high demand. Reliance on exotic components can make your products—or your company—more vulnerable to the consequences of sourcing and procurement issues.

There may be times when you have a true need for an exotic component. Just be aware that you’re likely to encounter more frustrations than usual when sourcing that component. If you’re determined to avoid exotic components at all costs, an expert PCB design and manufacturing firm can help you reconfigure your design.

Henway Technologies can help.

One final tip for navigating the PCB shortage: Partner up with an experienced PCB designer and manufacturer. Henway Technologies has spent over a decade providing custom PCB designs and manufacturing solutions. We can help you make confident procurement and sourcing decisions even when the supply chain is highly unpredictable. If a part you need goes out of stock, our in-house engineering team can help you find an alternative solution so you can maintain your production schedule.

Talk to a member of our team about how we can help