In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, supply chain challenges can bring even the most well-planned projects to a halt. Finding alternative electrical components that meet strict specifications is critical for ensuring on-time delivery, especially in high-stakes industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment. Automated Wiring Systems, a leading wire assembly manufacturer, faced this challenge when they contacted ElectroShield.
They had just been awarded a high-priority contract to supply wire harnesses for large natural gas-powered industrial engines within a few weeks. The initial order had multiple changes, including a 50% increase in quantity and additional components to cover safety stock.
One of the key components they needed, military-spec circular connectors, were not available from the original connector distributor or manufacturer. Lead time on these connectors can be extremely long.
Here’s how ElectroShield stepped in to find equivalent components for the company so it could meet its tight production deadline.
Electrical components often have strict specifications or compliance requirements that make sourcing alternatives challenging. Substantial equivalents aren't always readily available, or if they are, they haven't been approved for a specific use case.
Alternative components need to match the original specifications for safety, durability, and performance. This often involves meeting critical standards such as:Identifying a compatible alternative often requires access to detailed specifications, technical documentation, and manufacturer data. Without these resources, engineers may struggle to determine whether a potential substitute meets all necessary criteria.
Even when an alternative is found, it must be verified to ensure it works as intended in the application. This process takes time and coordination, especially when the timeline is tight.
Given these challenges, having a knowledgeable partner to assist in sourcing alternatives is essential. This is where distributors with engineering expertise can bring added value to a project.
They typically have access to extensive resources and expertise, including relationships with multiple manufacturers and access to a vast inventory of components. Their engineering experts have worked with a range of clients across industries, so they understand the unique demands of different applications. Whether you’re sourcing components for industrial automation, aerospace, or heavy machinery, their familiarity with similar projects enables them to recommend the right parts quickly.
Engineering-focused distributors don’t just match specifications—they'll take into account your application and the project design to ensure compatibility. That includes considering environmental conditions, lifecycle durability, and compliance with safety standards like UL or RoHS.
When timing is critical, distributors can expedite the process by providing samples for testing and validation. This allows engineers to quickly verify that the component meets technical and operational requirements before committing to a bulk order.
Beyond sourcing alternatives, distributors can help establish customized stocking programs that align with your projected usage. This ensures that critical components are readily available for future projects, reducing the risk of delays caused by supply chain disruptions.
Automated Wiring Systems had worked with ElectroShield on previous projects, so the team already had a good understanding of their needs. A senior sales representative conducted an in-depth search across ElectroShield's authorized manufacturers, including Amerline Enterprises. She located an olive drab mil-spec style connector that met the technical requirements and secured customer approval.
With the tight deadline in mind, ElectroShield coordinated with Amerline to air-freight 2,000 connectors directly to Automated Wiring Systems.The proactive approach solved the immediate issue while also laying the foundation for a more resilient supply chain. ElectroShield implemented a stocking program tailored to the company's usage and forecasts, ensuring reliable access to key components and reducing the need for expensive expedited shipping in the future.
“We could not have fulfilled our customer’s order without the help of Jennifer, our senior sales rep, Amerline Enterprises and the entire ElectroShield team,” said Jack Belcher, General Manager of Automated Wiring Systems. "No other distributor or manufacturer was willing to help us out in this capacity. Jennifer jumped right in, coordinated with our team and hung in there with ever-changing quantities, delivery demands, researching alternative connectors and setting up air freight. ElectroShield has proven, again, to be a reliable partner for AWS.”
Build a More Resilient Supply Chain with ElectroShield
The company's success demonstrates the importance of having a reliable partner for sourcing alternative electrical components. Thanks to ElectroShield’s quick action and proactive planning, the company met its deadlines and strengthened its supply chain for future projects.
With If your team faces challenges with component availability or lead times, ElectroShield can help. With 46 years as an electrical components distributor, a sales team averaging 15 years of connector experience, and a group of world-class manufacturer partners, ElectroShield is a valued partner for both engineering and purchasing/procurement teams.
We’ll find the right solution for your application.
Contact us today to learn more, or request a quote for your next project.