US officials launch global defense against counterfeit components and their suppliers

With the unveiling of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, the US government made detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronics a global initiative. Both US and non-US suppliers to defense manufactures in the US, with be subject to the Act's regulations and requirements. 


IHS predicts approximately 362 non-US firms, from around the globe, are members of the US government's supply chain and will therefore be impacted by the NDAA.


With over 1,363 legitimate counterfeit cases being reported in 2011, according to IHS, the danger these falsified parts pose to US government's supply chain continues to grow. 


Counterfeit detection and avoidance procedures are more important than ever and should be incorporated into every company's supplier evaluation processes, to ensure only valid and properly functioning parts populate the global supply chain.  




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US counterfeit regulations impact global suppliers


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Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electronics Manufacturers Embrace Sustainability Practices

 Many electronics manufacturing firms today have begun to enhance their environmental accountability practices through the implementation of green initiatives. These companies have realized that in order to ensure their successful longevity, the practice of sustainability management is no longer merely an option. 


Two major sustainability trends analysts have identified are proper e-waste disposal and risk management.  Electronics manufacturers are also beginning to evaluate their suppliers sustainability practices as an indicator of their dedication to corporate responsibility. 


Commitment to sustainability is quickly becoming a differentiating factor  for many in the Electronics Industry and will likely distinguish those companies that will experience continued success and those that may become obsolete.  


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How Sustainability Practices Can Differentiate Your Business


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Japan Struggles to Regain Footing in Global Electronics Industry

The perpetual deterioration of the Japanese manufacturing sector over the past few years has become increasingly apparent in the onslaught of vacancies in the Panel Bay area, which was once home to a plethora of electronics industry giants.  Not only are many Japanese electronics manufacturers battling increasing competition from emerging global contenders but also increasing costs and pricing constraints.    


These firms have also become threatened by potential rising energy costs and supply challenges which would occur as a result of the damage sustained by the Fukushima nuclear facility last year. 


Although the Japanese manufacturing industry remains optimistic as a whole, it is certain that in order to regain its world prominence a new strategy must be formulated. 




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Declining as a Manufacturer, Japan Weighs Reinvention


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electronics Brands Are Encouraged to Verify CM's FLA Compliance

With major electronics supplier Foxconn now under investigation by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), contract manufacturers around the world are reviewing their own manufacturing practices to ensure their compliance with FLA regulations. As a key customer of Foxconn, Apple, Inc. has also come under some suspicion, earning the company a lot of negative publicity. 


This public relations debacle has served as a dire warning to many electronics brands, that worker's rights issues are of crucial importance to the electronics industry and that those who do not continuously evaluate the compliance measures of their CM's, will be placed under the scrutiny of the FLA. 


As a direct result, the cost of outsourcing labor in many countries will likely increase and drive many of the industry's primary players to find alternative manufacturing locations.  


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EMS industry: Moment of Reckoning


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Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

EMS companies look to enhance proficiency over volume

A recent study has shown that a shift in general business approach is occurring for many companies within the EMS industry. In the past, EMS companies have primarily equated their competitiveness and success with output levels.  However, this parallel is quickly disintegrating as these same companies are now starting to develop their core competencies over increased output. 


The two areas most companies are focusing on today are manufacturing skills and supply chain management. Whatever the outcome, the competitive landscape of the EMS industry is likely to drastically change in the coming years. 


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Capability Trumps Capacity in EMS Industry


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

April E-Waste Recycling Event at Stealth Components

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, MILLIONS of tons of electronic waste ends up in US landfills every year.  Toxic chemicals in these products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. 

Disposing of e-waste in this manner is illegal and yet waste collection companies  are not taking responsibility to ensure that consumers obsolete electronics are not ending up in landfills.  


A plethora of consequences occur every year as a result of improper e-waste disposal - dangerous toxins are released into the air, chemicals are absorbed into the soil, e-waste is shipped to developing countries around the world where people don't have the equipment to handle it safety and so many more! 


In an effort to limit these continuing consequences, Stealth Components is sponsoring an electronic waste recycling event from March 28th to April 19th. 


We look forward to everyone's participation in this event and are excited to have a hand in ensuring the prosperity of the environment!


Visit us online to find out more about Stealth Components.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Buyers Establish New Strategies for Evaluating Supplier Quality

In today's advancing marketplace, riddled with counterfeit components and unpredictability, it has become increasingly difficult for components buyers to adequately measure and evaluate the quality of their suppliers. However, there are several strategic precautions buyers can take that will certainly help indicate their supplier's level of quality commitment and aid in reducing risk to their production line.  

This supplier evaluation process begins with researching and finding out as much about the company's internal controls and quality management system as possible. Buyers will then be equipped with the information they need to make an official decision as to the true quality of the supplier.


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Reducing Risk Through Supplier Quality Audits


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.