Gustavo Sepulveda, Process Automation Business Head, Panasonic Connect North America

Despite being a generally flat year for the wider electronics sector, 2024 was full of highlights for me and Component Sense. Key moments included successfully exhibiting, sponsoring the Women in Electronics (WE) discussion, and delivering a talk on the environmental and financial benefits of redistributing excess and obsolete (E&O) component inventory at Electronica in Munich.

A visit to one of the largest informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites in Ghana also provided a renewed sense of motivation for our mission to ensure surplus component stock does not end up in landfills.

In 2025, more electronic manufacturers will be pressured to shift towards more sustainable supply chains and held accountable both upstream and downstream. With global e-waste production expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, now is the time to assess operations for areas of improvement.

The chip shortages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic led many companies to over-forecast component stock as a protective measure. This has resulted in significant levels of E&O inventory flooding the marketplace. However, this year, the market for buying and selling parts will stabilise. This will make redistribution more profitable for those wanting to sell their surplus inventory.

Most electronic manufacturers hold at least 10% of their overall revenue in E&O stock. E&O solutions like Component Sense's InPlant™ identify excess stock at the earliest possible stage, enabling sellers to recoup 100% of the cost price, or even more.

This year, weather events and geopolitical uncertainty will continue to challenge the resilience of supply chains. Companies will increasingly explore options to diversify their suppliers to mitigate risks. Better inventory management will be critical for organisations aiming for both financial success and the promotion of sustainability.