element14 provides advice on securing supply chain for medical components in uncertain times

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented purchasers with a major challenge in sourcing electronic components and resulted in healthcare systems worldwide facing an extreme shortfall of ventilators and their components. Buyers are faced with two challenges: accessing components in the quantities and timescales required, and accessing proucts with the required certifications to ensure reliability in the healthcare environment. 

As the coronavirus crisis accelerates, element14 is doing its bit by procuring the components to fulfil orders and support the customers as they produce medical equipment.

element14 has also published a ventilator reference design to help design engineers get started. The complexity of a system can differ significantly, but standard elements in a medical ventilator system remain the same.

element14 stocks a wide range of sensors (Humidity, Pressure, Temperature and Flow), MCUs, AC/DC Power Supplies, DC/DC Power Supplies, Wireless modules and many more products from leading manufacturers such as NXP, STMicroelectronics, ON Semiconductor, Microchip, Renesas and Infineon to support design needs in this critical phase.

Vinesh Pulse, National Sales Manager at element14 said, “Demand for components for medical devices has surged. In order to secure supply chain in uncertain times, manufacturers can turn to distributors for assistance. Look for a distributor that has items in stock for a faster service, digital capabilities to continue in this disruptive environment, a strong technical support team to help identify  alternatives when supply is challenged and  great relationships with carriers and suppliers. During COVID-19 element14 worked with suppliers to create some direct-ship options so that stock could be shipped direct to customers from the supplier warehouse, speeding up the supply chain.  element14 also worked with suppliers to source additional stock at short notice for specific critical orders on behalf of their customers.”