Straight From the Source

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WIN SOURCE, Asia’s largest distributor of electronic components, has the parts manufacturers need – at the right price

In 2012, eons ago in the ecommerce timeline, WIN SOURCE launched Asia’s first B2B ecommerce platform. Today, that platform (www.win-source.net) contains over 1 million products, from commonly used parts to hard-to-find and even obsolete parts. The foresight and diligent work that went into building that platform has WIN SOURCE positioned as the largest distributor of electronic components in Asia.

The advanced digital system, which has only gotten better in the age of digital transformation with more powerful technologies such as AI, enhances the purchasing power of manufacturers with automatic price comparison and a bill of materials function that lets them buy all the parts they need at one time. They also offer 24-hour delivery and support so clients can solve the needs of their customers without worrying about procurement. The parts come with three-year quality assurance services to reduce sourcing risks and manufacturer costs. WIN SOURCE is committed to helping manufacturers reduce the production cost of the components they need, especially those they commonly use.

“Simplifying the procurement process and reducing the manufacturer's information cost can further reduce the manufacturer's production cost, allowing it to focus on innovation and meet customer needs,” CEO Ethan Tsai told BOSS. “The high production cost of commonly used components has led to a decline in profit margin and market competitiveness. It is difficult to purchase commonly used components at a lower price with the help of large-volume purchases and favorable supplier agreements like competitors.”

Rare Finds

When manufacturers need rare or hard-to-find parts, WIN SOURCE excels there, too. There are several struggles when it comes to sourcing those, Tsai said. First is the limited availability. Parts might have been discounted or simply not be plentiful because they niche applications and low market demand.

Lead times can, understandably, be longer for these types of parts, which can affect production plans and project timelines. Since they’re so hard to find, the market can be tainted with counterfeit parts, and the genuine versions might be old and not have been subject to stringent quality control protocols.

Hard-to-find parts may not have direct replacements or readily available replacement options, so they might require design modifications or additional engineering work. As parts enter obsolescence, suitable replacements can’t be found, which means in-house modifications or redesigns become necessary.

“We understand these challenges,” Tsai said. “This site not only provides commonly used parts but also provides obsolete and hard-to-find parts with over 1 million products and inventories that pass ISO9001, ISO14001, and other quality inspection systems.”

WIN SOURCE’s stock of rare components saves manufacturers time, effort, and money when they need those hard-to-find parts.

Easing Procurement

WIN SOURCE’s target customer groups are mainly EMS, OEM, CEM, ODM, large, medium and small factory customers.

“In the market, we have noticed that manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers, face the challenge of high production costs that undermine competitiveness and innovation,” Tsai said.

Up against large corporations that can buy in bulk, SMEs often have to do the hard work of comparison shopping themselves to remain competitive. When they spend more time and money on procurement, they have less available for technological advancement and product upgrades. That’s where WIN SOURCE’s platform steps in to make procurement easier and far more efficient.

Amid the supply disruptions of trade disputes, Covid, and geopolitical tensions the last several years, procurement has only gotten tougher.

“The uncertain global economic situation and changes in the international competition pattern are the norms that our industry should face (going forward),” Tsai said. “The increasingly tense international trend brings not only challenges, but also opportunities. Internally, our company will continue to optimize management strategies, expand sourcing channels, strictly control quality requirements, and establish a more flexible supply chain.”

WIN SOURCE is determined to improve the future development direction of procurement amid those challenges. By studying ISO22301 and ISO28000 standards to further ensure the continuity and safety of the supply, they can provide customers with the highest standard of products and services.

Global Culture

With a “rigorous, efficient, and inclusive” culture, WIN SOURCE is able to surpass the traditional service model of the electronic component supply chain, providing continuous optimization of value and quality.

“As a company committed to globalization, WIN SOURCE is based on an in-depth assessment of the needs of the global market,” Tsai said. “As long as the products meet the needs of the market, as well as the ideas and expectations of customers, we will be involved.”

As profit margins have shrunk and competition has gotten more fierce, manufacturers can struggle to maintain their level of quality and performance without the right parts at the right price. The challenges can push a manufacturer's cash flow, warehouse space, and storage environment to the limit.

“Establishing a long-term relationship with a reliable supplier is a strategic move,” Tsai said. “This partnership can ensure consistent product quality, and at the same time, long-term partnerships can save costs and obtain competitive prices, helping manufacturers reduce procurement costs and improve market competitiveness.”

With its innovative platform and continuous improvement, WIN SOURCE can be that partner.