By Chris Viveiros, operations director, Otto Wireless Solutions.
For the past 6-8 months we have been hearing consistent reports of supply issues in the electronics industry. We have constantly been asked whether we face extended lead times or supply issues, while hearing unconfirmed reports of competitors who are unable to supply customers.
Our position is this:
Number of late deliveries = 0
Number of buy-outs to satisfy short-term orders = 1
In all honesty we have seen an increase in lead times, from two weeks to 10 weeks, but this is hardly something which we consider devastatingly challenging. As I write this, our stock of the most popular SIM800C module is at 20 000 pieces, with 30 000 pieces in transit to us. Our stock levels of other modules is healthy and we have seen no challenges around our popular Wlink LTE routers, antennas, etc.
Our model has never been one of ordering products on a back-to-back basis. We have always maintained local stock and taken a genuine ‘distribution’ approach, where we consider it our customer service duty to order products in bulk and support our customers at competitive prices, regardless of their volumes. When we saw the lead times extending, we took a decision to increase local stock holding, as opposed to strong-arming our customers into placing long-term commitments. Where our key customers have taken decisions to place long-term orders, they have done so in order to provide themselves with peace of mind, knowing that as their supplier, we value the long-term relationship and will maintain flexibility of supply.
The current supply situation has simply brought to the fore the value we endeavour to offer to our customers. We are very grateful for the support our customers have shown us and would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their ongoing support and assure you once again that your choice of Otto Wireless Solutions as your supplier, with SIMCom, Wlink and others as your technologies of choice, has once again proven to be our differentiator in the market, and in particular, in the current tough supply environment.
We look forward to many more years of seamless supply and positive relationships.
Smart farming with LoRaWAN Otto Wireless Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Real-time visibility is transforming modern agriculture, and Otto Wireless Solutions, together with Dragino, deliver this capability through a comprehensive suite of long-range IoT sensors and gateways designed for smart farming.
Read more...RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Compact AI modules for imaging Otto Wireless Solutions
DSP, Micros & Memory
SIMCom has introduced two compact smart AI modules, the SIM8666 and SIM8668, designed to simplify the development of imaging-based IoT applications.
Read more...Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version