09. Supply Chain & Material Management
The Flow of Atoms: Sourcing, Planning, and Logistics
Part 1. The Material Strategy (Procurement)
2.1 Material Group Architecture
Supply chain resilience relies on the precise segmentation of the Bill of Materials (BOM). Treati...
2.2 Supplier Selection & The AVL (Approved Vendor List)
The Approved Vendor List (AVL) serves as the primary firewall against counterfeit components and ...
2.3 Purchase Order (PO) Management
A Purchase Order is a legally binding contract, not a casual request for goods. Ambiguity in PO g...
8.9 Counterfeit Avoidance (AS5553)
Counterfeit components represent one of the highest risks in electronics manufacturing, undermini...
Part 2. The Demand Signal (Planning)
2.4 The Planning Hierarchy
Manufacturing stability relies on converting volatile market signals into a deterministic product...
2.5 Lead Time Management
Lead time is not a single number; it is a composite metric comprising manufacturing, transit, and...
2.6 Shortage Management (The "Chase" Process)
In high-mix electronics manufacturing, material shortages are inevitable. The efficiency of the o...
Part 3. Inventory Control (Inventory)
2.7 Inventory Classification (ABC Analysis)
Cycle counting every component with equal frequency is operational malpractice. Resources must be...
2.8 Warehouse Operations
The warehouse is not a storage unit; it is a processing center. Errors introduced here (wrong cou...
2.9 Excess & Obsolete (E&O)
Inventory that does not turn over is a liability, not an asset. This chapter establishes the "Red...
2.10 Strategic Stockpiling
Policies for holding "Buffer Stock" for critical customers.
Part 5. Parts & Materials Handling
The warehouse isn't just a storage room; it's a controlled environment. This chapter focuses on p...
1.23 Receiving & Identification
The receiving dock is not just where boxes land; it is the Process Firewall. This is the single c...
1.24 Environmental Controls
Environmental control is the invisible shield that keeps components reliable. Moisture and static...
1.25 ESD Control Program
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is invisible, unpredictable, and often devastating to sensitive ele...
1.26 MSD Handling & Baking
Moisture damage is one of the most deceptive threats in electronics assembly—parts look fine unti...
1.27 Solder and Flux Storage
Solder paste and flux are unique: they are among the most time-sensitive materials in the factory...
1.28 Kitting, FIFO & Shortage Management
Kitting is the discipline that keeps a factory floor flowing, ensuring the exact right parts from...
Part 4. The Physical Network (Logistics)
2.10 Incoterms & Liability
Logistics costs and risks are defined by International Commercial Terms (Incoterms). Misunderstan...
2.11 Import/Export Compliance
Cross-border movement of electronics is subject to strict regulatory oversight. Incorrect classif...
2.12 Reverse Logistics (RMA)
The return of non-conforming material requires the same physical rigor as outbound shipping. Poor...