Can 2023 survive a possible semiconductor shortage?



Good morning! Happy New Year’s Eve! Have a safe night out there! ⏰

Hubs, a Netherlands-based online platform for custom part manufacturing, has conducted an enlightening survey among manufacturing industry professionals. Frustrating port congestion, inflation, and a surge in Covid all ranked at the top of supply chain disruptions that those surveyed are concerned will impact their businesses in 2023. But the ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan possibly affecting the semiconductor supply chain topped the list.

A strong semiconductor supply chain is important because semiconductors are a critical component in many modern technologies, including computers, smartphones, and various types of electronic devices. Semiconductors are also used in various types of industrial and military equipment, as well as in transportation and energy systems. A strong supply chain ensures that there is a reliable source of high-quality semiconductors that can meet the demand for these various applications.

Check out today’s featured article from DC Velocity to read about the potential semiconductor shortage looming on the horizon of 2023 and some of the other supply chain risks that firms should take note of as the new year approaches. ☕️


Featured Article:

Survey: top supply chain risk of 2023 is semiconductor shortage | DC Velocity

“Hubs report finds top five risks also include: port congestion, inflation hampering demand, China covid policies, and carbon emissions regulations.”


Retail & Warehousing 📦

Automation is the biggest supply chain trend of 2023 after inventory bulk of 2022

Automation can be used to improve various aspects of warehouse operations, including order picking, packing, and shipping. It can also help to increase accuracy and reduce errors, as well as reduce the need for manual labor and improve safety conditions for workers. However, implementing automation in a warehouse can also be a complex and expensive process, and it requires careful planning and management to ensure that it is successful.

There are many different types of automation technologies that can be used in a warehouse setting. Some examples include:

  1. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): These systems use computer-controlled cranes or other devices to move materials around the warehouse and store or retrieve them from specific locations.

  2. Conveyor systems: Conveyor belts or other types of transport systems can be used to move materials from one location to another within the warehouse.

  3. Robotic pickers: These are robots that are designed to pick items from shelves and place them onto a conveyor or other transport system.

  4. Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies: These technologies, which include barcode scanners and RFID (radio-frequency identification) systems, can be used to automatically track and locate materials within the warehouse.

Read more from Supply Chain Dive ▶


Consumers & Inflation 🥦

Retailers should be watching how consumers are dealing with food inflation

Retailers should be aware of how customers are dealing with food inflation because it can impact their sales and profitability. Food inflation refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of food over a period of time. When food prices rise, it can put a strain on consumers' budgets and may lead them to cut back on their spending on other items, including non-essential items that are sold by retailers.

If customers are feeling the pinch of rising food prices, they may be more likely to focus on buying only the items that are necessary for their household, rather than making additional purchases. This can result in lower sales for retailers, particularly if they sell non-essential items that may be less of a priority for consumers during times of food inflation. food inflation can also impact retailers' supply chains and the cost of goods. If the cost of food products that retailers sell increases, it can lead to higher costs for the retailer, which may be passed on to customers in the form of higher prices. This can further impact customer spending and retailer profitability.

Read more from Food Logistics ▶


Let’s Get Global 🌎

Napoleon Dynamite slapping his brother in the face and running away.

Big Brother Fight GIF By 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment via GIPHY

🥊 TSMC gets to work as the world prepares to battle it out over chipmaking. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the primary chipmaker for Apple Inc. , has begun production of its revolutionary advanced 3-nanometer chips in Taiwan. These cutting-edge devices will ensure that Taiwan remains at the top of manufacturing the critical technology needed by governments across the globe. TSMC Chairman Mark Liu has voiced his confidence in Taiwan’s part to play in the semiconductor industry, noting that the island is currently home to more than 90% of Earth’s manufacturing capacity for chipmaking.


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