Victoria Kickham Articles

As Skills Gap Widens, Firms Seek Automation, Creativity Dec 07, 2018 A worsening labor outlook will send manufacturers in search of productivity-enhancing solutions and even higher-skilled workers—in 2019 and beyond.
Industry Reaps Benefits of a High-Tech World Oct 29, 2018 Electronics sector stays strong as technology demand remains in high gear. The outlook for the electronics sector remains strong through the end of the year, helped in large part by continuing demand for better, faster technology-driven solutions in all aspects of business and consumer life. Some recent industry reports underscore the trend and point to growing demand for technology that drives the need for more components and solutions from suppliers up and down the electronics supply channel.
Trade Woes Continue Despite Strong Economy Aug 21, 2018 Industrial economy maintains solid pace as trade wars, tariff concerns loom large. Business continues at a strong clip up and down the supply channel, despite growing concerns about the long-term effects of the Trump administration’s trade policies. A smattering of economic data released early this month underscored the positive state of the U.S. economy heading into the third quarter while also emphasizing the potential fallout from tariff-related activity that continues to heat up. The threat of rising costs and declining exports remain long-term concerns for manufacturing and supply chain-related businesses, even as they deal with the current busy climate and an increasing number of orders.
Keeping a Close Eye on Tariffs Jul 24, 2018 Uncertainty clouds the economic outlook under threat of escalating trade wars, industry watchers say.
Positive Outlook Persists Jul 09, 2018 A host of economic indicators point to strong but moderating economic growth, driven by demand for high tech products and solutions.
5 Top Issues Affecting Global Supply Chains Jun 07, 2018 A handful of issues and trends could impact global supply chains in 2018, most notably complications surrounding Brexit and the ongoing political turmoil.
Manufacturing Outlook: Best in 10 Years Mar 19, 2018 Economic conditions are coming together to create a solid outlook for the U.S. industrial and manufacturing sector this year, buoyed by a global economic rebound, falling U.S. dollar, and the passage of business-friendly tax reform here at home. In its first manufacturing outlook for 2018, the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation says it expects the best output performance from U.S. manufacturing in more than a decade – nearly doubling its three-year outlook from last November for a return to pre-recession levels.
Technology Drives Opportunity in 2018 Feb 08, 2018 As the technology revolution continues, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) top the list of technologies that are transforming the business and consumer landscape. The electronic components industry remains at the heart of that transformation, developing the products and solutions that are increasingly in demand in both sectors...
Buyers Sharpen Skills to Build Value in 2018 Dec 18, 2017 Purchasing and supply managers will balance the need to sharpen traditional skills with growing demand for a more comprehensive supply chain education when it comes to professional development in 2018.
Industry Outlook Calls for Moderate Growth Jun 27, 2017 Manufacturing economy improves, but industry watchers say moderation is still the norm.
More Companies Seek Sustainable Procurement Practices Feb 28, 2017 Better brand protection, fewer supply disruptions, and social awareness are three reasons electronic components buyers should consider implementing sustainable procurement programs.
2017 Manufacturing Outlook Improves Nov 01, 2016 Business conditions in the manufacturing sector continue to improve—though at a slower rate than economists and business leaders would like. A host of recent manufacturing outlook reports point to consistent growth for the remainder of the year followed by an uptick in the first months of 2017, at the same time pointing to headwinds such as weak business investment and a high inventory-to-sales ratio—at both manufacturers and wholesalers—which will keep the sector on the low end of the growth scale.