Arrow Altech Distribution (AAD) is one of Africa's leading distributors of quality electronic components and modules.

It represents many of the foremost international component manufacturers such as Wavecom, STMicroelectronics, Atmel, Freescale, Texas Instruments, NXP, National Semiconductor, Intel, Amphenol, Samtec and Molex.

The company is a joint venture between Altech, South Africa's premier multibillion Rand JSE-listed TMT and electronics group, and Arrow Electronics, one of the world's largest NYSE-listed electronics and computer products distribution giants.

Location

Recognised as its distribution hub into Africa, AAD's world class distribution centre - situated in Jet Park, Gauteng - aims to deliver utmost convenience to customers when purchasing electronic components and related products. The state-of-the-art warehouse is fitted with leading-edge technology and equipment, and makes extensive use of bar-coding technology and rapid conveyor systems.

The well equipped 6000 square metre warehouse and office facility provide a business centre for approximately 100 staff, with regional offices in Cape Town and Durban. AAD's head office is strategically located near Oliver Tambo International Airport in order to provide quick access to local and international destinations, as well as enabling AAD to clear bulk shipments of components so that they can be distributed timeously.

Product range

AAD offers a comprehensive line card - which includes semiconductor, passive, electromechanical, connector, display, frequency, battery, wireless and lighting products - and provides focused support to a wide range of customers. Through its long-standing relationships with leading international specialist suppliers, AAD is favourably positioned to provide the African market with the world's most sought after components at highly competitive prices.

Technical support

AAD has a team of experienced electronic engineers that is available to support its customer base across the spectrum of its product offerings. These engineers are available to assist customers in selecting the right device for the application, providing technical support where required and ensuring that the design process is a seamless one.

Value added services

AAD has adopted a two-bin Kanban-based supply model to control and manage its supply chain. Prior to implementation, AAD logistics will analyse a customer's material requirements generated by their MRP system. The analysis will determine the optimum purchase and supply quantities based on critical supply factors such as usage, lead times and cost. AAD will calculate optimum bin sizes, also based on component cost and usage.

High cost items (A items) will be delivered more frequently in smaller Kanban sizes. Low cost components (C items) are delivered in larger Kanban sizes less frequently. This limits the customer's inventory holding costs through minimum stock levels and increased stock turns.

Quality management

In line with the quality objectives of its shareholders, AAD achieved its ISO 9001:2000 certification in November 2001, making it one of the few local electronic component distribution businesses to have attained the certification to date.