GRAHAM SCOTT
PROCUREMENT STRATEGY
The global semiconductor market is braced for sustained growth, driven by tech advances and strategic demand increases across various industries.
However, despite significant investments to increase fab capacity, lead times can fluctuate quickly amid volatile conditions. Manufacturers must be able to adapt quickly or risk succumbing to potential“ perfect storm” of unexpected demand swings, geopolitical challenges and trade restrictions that could wreak havoc on their semiconductor supply chains.
Speaking to Procurement Magazine, Graham Scott, VP of Global Procurement at Jabil, discussed how manufacturers can prepare for rapid semiconductor market changes.
Q. HOW CAN MANUFACTURERS IMPROVE THEIR DEMAND FORECASTING ACCURACY FOR SEMICONDUCTORS OVER THE COMING MONTHS?
» If we think of the semiconductor shortage of 2022 and part of 2023, a big part was manufacturers not having full visibility to demand. We need to provide as much visibility as possible to what we know and believe will happen over coming months, quarters and years. Designing a semiconductor has different product cycles depending on industry – consumer space is shorter than automotive or healthcare. Giving component manufacturers visibility not just for the next few months but for the entire product lifecycle is crucial.
GRAHAM SCOTT
TITLE: VP OF GLOBAL PROCUREMENT COMPANY: JABIL
INDUSTRY: ELECTRONICS / MANUFACTURING
Graham Scott leads an enterprise-wide organisation located in the Americas, Europe and Asia that is responsible for Jabil’ s global commodity management, quoting and supplier relationship management.
When selecting technology and suppliers, ensure you’ ll have component supply throughout the product lifecycle. It’ s about being as transparent as possible with component manufacturers about your demand for its entire lifecycle.
Q. WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR BALANCING STRATEGIC INVENTORY MANAGEMENT WITH COST CONSIDERATIONS?
» Inventory can be good or bad. Too much of an unneeded part is obviously bad, while not having enough puts you in trouble. Ensuring adequate safety inventory is critical and ties back to understanding both component and product lifecycles. You need to monitor the market and supply situation while keeping suppliers updated on demand needs and lead times to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
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