Top Three Takeaways from DMSMS 2019

Last week, Smith exhibited at DMSMS 2019, an aerospace-and-defense-focused symposium that addresses diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages. This year’s conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona, and was themed around strengthening part, material, and supply chain management to improve readiness and affordability. For the third year in a row, team members from Smith’s Houston and New York offices were present at the company’s booth to discuss A&D-specific trends and market insights.

Here are a few key takeaways that stood out from the conference:

1. Component obsolescence issues can be mitigated through open-market sourcing.

By working with a vast network of trusted suppliers, procuring hard-to-find electronic components doesn’t have to be a challenge. Open-market sourcing gives customers opportunities that they can benefit from, like global supplier relationships, an infinite line card, and logistical strengths.

2. VMI programs can help build stock to keep supply chains active.

Forecast planning and lifecycle management can help A&D-specific customers overcome obsolescence challenges. Flexible and customizable vendor managed inventory programs are especially beneficial during LTB or EOL situations. Nitrogen storage and nitrogen packing help ensure the highest-quality components for long-term storage requirements.

3. Stability and reliability are the most trusted attributes for partnership.

Aerospace and defense customers are called upon to meet the most intensive standards and achieve even greater quality and testing requirements than customers in other industries. Smith’s industry experience and quality assurance are validated through our AS6081 and AS9120 certifications, both trusted standards for procuring legacy and critical electronic components.

For more than three decades, Smith has been building relationships with customers around the world to help them discover the solutions to their sourcing and supply chain challenges. Smith’s strong foundation is built on resources like our industry-leading warehouse and operational and testing capabilities, which uphold and strengthen the tailored aerospace and defense support we offer customers. Maintaining quality assurance is at the core of aerospace and defense procurement, and Smith is excited to be a part of this widely growing industry.

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