The year 2021 has been characterized by constant disruptions and delays in the supply chain for the electronics sector , as well as incredible resilience and ingenuity on the part of players seeking to overcome these obstacles.

Here are 5 emerging trends for the supply chain in the electronics sector

It would be great to say that by 2022 most of these major and global disruptions have been resolved and we can all expect a return to normal in the coming year. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t. The coming year will bring its own set of challenges for those working in the sector, as the explosion in demand for goods coupled with the global shortage of parts will continue.

That’s not to say 2022 is shaping up to be a totally bleak year: we could see progress on backlogs and shortages by mid-year, global vaccination efforts could prevent further factory closures . And, as always, enterprising companies will find ways to differentiate themselves and become better partners for their customers.

1Trend : Consumers will become actors

By getting used to shortages and the unavailability of common goods, people begin to adopt a mindset similar to their personal shopping habits. They move away from traditional concerns about where to buy and first ask themselves when they need the goods.

In other words: they are starting to think like manufacturers. While this may create additional competition for already scarce components, it can also be seen as an incentive to bring its products to market as quickly as possible.

Of course, in today’s environment, that’s easier said than done. Companies can and should improve their knowledge of the market by all possible means. Businesses that thrive in 2022 and beyond will know what raw materials and components are available and when, and will be able to act on opportunities as they arise.

Moreover, in order to better understand the evolution of consumer habits, it is still necessary to have the tools to probe them and draw the right lessons. It may seem obvious but it is not won: Supplyframe questioned several companies in Europe having different strategic roles on the supply chain and among the lessons that we can draw from it, we discover in particular that the knowledge of the companies are mostly related to customer purchase history and order transaction details (for 32% of them). Some companies go even further: everything they know is static, limited and dispersed in the organization (22%). Anticipating consumer needs and changes is an essential success factor for companies – they are no longer just customers, their role in the market will take on even greater importance in 2022.

In order to continue to improve, here are five trends that we believe offer opportunities for companies in the global electronics supply chain:

2Trend : Artificial Intelligence will be everywhere.

The year 2022 will bring even more connectivity in our lives and on the supply chain. Consumers will be able to share data on all kinds of devices. And those working in the B2B electronics industry may see improved supply chain visibility and efficiency, as these technologies will also improve market connectivity.

The IoT sector will continue to grow and create impressive amounts of data, especially as companies continue to invest heavily in digital transformation. AI and cognitive computing will begin to predictively impact supply chain processes and create solutions without human intervention.

This new connectivity will provide companies with even more possibilities through their design-from-source and new product introduction processes. They will have even more information about the availability of parts and components – as well as their future supply. The promise of AI is one of unprecedented visibility and cognitive automation to suggest and even make adjustments to sourcing and procurement.

3Trend : Shortages will persist

It’s starting to look like a broken record, but unfortunately we can’t escape it. The component shortages that propelled the supply chain into the news and into the minds of consumers concerned about their holiday shopping, are likely to continue, and substantial relief will not be in sight. before 2023. A recent report from Supplyframe indicates that the stabilization of the supply of components such as diodes and DRAMs, as well as raw materials such as resins, will not really occur until the first half of 2023.

Everyone will have to do their part to ensure the supply of vital components throughout the global electronics value chain.

4Trend : Talent will be hard to find

Digital transformation is a near-universal priority for 2022, and business investment in supply chain technology is hitting record rates. However, the IT-skilled supply chain workforce is as scarce as the shortage of semiconductors. Still according to the interviews carried out by Supplyframe with several European companies, one of the main obstacles to the implementation of real digital strategies – particularly in terms of sales – is the lack of talent and skills to carry out these plans (for 41% of companies audited).

Companies looking to add next-generation digital capabilities to their supply and sales operations could therefore be hampered by the job market. Those who show the most persuasion with qualified candidates will have a head start in the race towards a connected future.

5Trend : Resilience will be on the rise

If companies want to bounce back in 2022, they will have to deal with the effect of the pandemic on the supply chain, as well as the inevitable external influences such as weather or geopolitics. Above all, they will seek resilience – agile supply chains, diverse in their supply and transport options, combined with contingency plans and (unsurprisingly) visibility.

The pandemic has impacted the whole world, and electronic supply chain players are unfortunately no exception to the rule. These companies have, for the most part, had to postpone their digital transformation plans initially planned to optimize the buying journey and the customer experience.