If you have tried to procure hardware or products over the past couple years, chances are you have noticed that it is harder to find them than usual. This is particularly the case for any companies that have dealings with computing hardware, as the price has been hiked considerably on even the most basic of components. What has triggered this dramatic change in the technology supply chain, and what can be done about it?
COVID-19 Supply Chains
The COVID pandemic has impacted everyone, but it has also influenced businesses. Since it is a worldwide problem, the supply chain is naturally affected in a profound way. The computing chip industry, with a value of over $500 billion per year, has seen an increase in pricing as chip manufacturers have failed to keep up with demand. As a result of prices increasing and a slower manufacturing process, new technology is harder to obtain and often delayed when shipping.
The irony of the situation is not lost on us, though; with COVID increasing the number of remote workers, PC sales jumped by around 11 percent, a number which flies in the face of the steadily decreasing sales previously seen. Remote workers need new PCs, smartphones, and Internet of Things devices to keep themselves connected to the workplace, all of which are impacted by the chip shortage.
The Chip Shortage Explained
Semiconductors are one of the most important components in computing, and the increase in demand for computer chips has created a major shortage in semiconductors. This has impacted global supply chains and, as a result, has created a considerable problem for those looking to purchase new computers, monitors, peripherals, or other computing platforms. This also means that we are experiencing longer waits for any new computing investments or procurements, and we acknowledge that this puts a strain on your company and our own. Hopefully, if the trends are to be believed, this slowing shouldn’t last too far into 2022.
What You Can Do
The first step toward doing anything about this issue is becoming aware of it. We recommend that any company hoping to refresh their computing infrastructure this year plan things out as far ahead as possible, taking all variables into account—including the current shortages. If you can plan purchases well in advance, you can ensure that your computing needs are addressed as quickly as possible with minimal acquisition challenges.
These issues with the supply chain won’t persist forever, and eventually things will return to normal—whatever that looks like—so rest assured that your computing problems will eventually stabilize. However, in the meantime, know that our team of IT professionals is hard at work determining the best options for your computing acquisitions so that you can continue to push your business forward.
If you have any concerns about potential delays or questions for us, we would be happy to answer them. To get in touch with us, call us at (270) 282-4926.
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