element14 Community Provides Real-time Updates on Supply Chain Impact of Japan Disaster

Following the recent terrible events in Japan, and the uncertain impact on the electronics supply chain, element14 has created a dedicated online space at www.element14.com/japanemergency.

By creating this area of the community, element14 hopes that it will fulfil a clear need by acting as a central repository for the whole electronics industry on the Japanese situation, while additionally being a conduit for information flow at this difficult time. Suppliers are posting the latest updates on the anticipated impact of the disaster by product family and device type, including likely changes to lead-times. There are also discussion threads building on the community’s many forums as customers ask questions, and seek answers from suppliers and other industry representatives, in this dynamic and rapidly changing situation.

“Naturally, our suppliers’ immediate concerns are for their people and families while they assess damage to their facilities. Power outages, disruption to road, sea and air transportation and communications are all adding to the confusion and our thoughts and support are very much with those affected at this time,” commented Harriet Green, CEO of Premier Farnell, the organisation which provides the element14 community. “We have had many requests from customers already for information and online, interactive forums such as ours really come into their own at a time like this to provide relevant, timely updates, easily accessible from anywhere.”

element14 will work with suppliers to help spread the reach of their updates as widely as possible in this constantly changing situation.

In response to requests from community members, element14 will also be posting links to some of the organisations leading the relief effort in order to help expedite support to where it is needed as quickly as possible. Employees across the Group are also actively fund-raising to support the humanitarian work and Premier Farnell has agreed to match employee donations.

element14 also wishes to send its thoughts and condolences to the people of Japan.

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