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PANEL
Coping with supply concerns The PSI Panel returns with a look at supply chain concerns and offer advice for installers
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ast month we looked at the current state of play regarding supply and shortages in the electronic security market. Due to global conditions such as the pandemic, economic concerns and bureaucracy the components supply chain is under some considerable stress. In the UK we might be experiencing some easing in Covid restrictions, which along the line may indicate (fingers-crossed) the beginning of the lifting of some of the constraints around the world for lorry drivers. For installers however there are still stories of technology supply problems, so what does the PSI Panel think about the situation?
Tony Mann – CSL
This scenario has come about thanks to a ‘perfect storm’, which includes many influences, not just COVID. Growth in many sectors across the wider technology and IoT markets combined with natural disasters (fire, droughts, and floods) and ongoing trade wars, has resulted in an increased demand for components, at a rate that production cannot match. In addition, as these components become scarce, they increase in price, and many suppliers are being impacted by this. Bidding wars can start, leaving some businesses empty-handed. The mission critical nature of the electronic security industry, protecting people and premises, means suppliers cannot simply refuse to pay the increased costs. Installers, rightly, must have access to the products they need to provide their service to their customers. If not, those people and premises are left vulnerable, do not meet their insurance standards, and could be denied their police response. We have been working with our supply partners to ensure they prioritise our sector above others due to the special services we support. Backing from the BSIA and the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) has assisted us greatly in these discussions.
For Installers, it has never been more important to plan and not leave any projects until the last minute. The next few years will see hundreds of thousands of upgrades to older systems as part of the UK’s All IP project. To ensure that the products are available for these upgrades, it is imperative that they work with suppliers to provide awareness of what is to come. By working together, I am confident we can overcome these challenges and ensure we protect all end-users and their premises.
“For Installers, it has never been more important to plan and not leave any projects until the last minute”
Alistair Enser – Reliance High-Tech
The electronic security industry should be concerned about anything that affects its supply chain and there’s no doubt that there are serious issues at the moment. Some manufacturers are quoting lead times of between 6-12 months and this is causing problems for installers and their customers, potentially leading to project delays until specific components can be delivered. Ultimately the solution is centred around early forecasting and commitment, communication, flexibility, trust and timeliness. The situation is the result of numerous factors. These include chip shortages from the Far East, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and problems within the shipping (continued over)
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