Empowering Innovation: The Critical Role of Authorized Distributors in Hirose’s Supply Chain

Distribution plays a critical role in Hirose’s sales and supply channels. Value-add distributors help customers solve dynamic challenges in a wide range of markets and applications. From technical and design expertise to creative supply chain solutions, distributors offer services that enhance product quality, simplify procurement and reduce time to market.

HIROSE'S AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS SIMPLIFY SUPPLY CHAIN

The importance of the distribution channel cannot be overstated. Hirose continues to strengthen its distribution network by strategically adding authorized distribution partners focused on target market segments that align with growth plans.

Global Reach & Local Expertise

Hirose’s global distributors are dedicated to solving problems with innovation and expertise. Choosing a distributor with a global presence enables OEMs to access electronic components and services across different regions, facilitating international expansion and market reach.

Authorized Distributors Eliminate Risk

Partnering with the right distributors has been essential to Hirose’s supply chain approach. Purchasing from an authorized distributor offers quality assurances by ensuring all connector products are authentic devices that have been shipped and stored properly. Purchasing from third party suppliers can introduce counterfeit or substandard devices into the supply chain. Connectors that have been improperly stored may degrade, affecting the performance and reliability. Authorized distributors offer a reliable supply chain that minimizes disruptions, including component shortages or delivery delays.

• Get Products Faster

The implementation of advanced, automated warehousing systems has enhanced product labeling and cataloging, ultimately decreasing order-to-shipment times. Turning orders quickly and inexpensively is as important to the designer who ordered a single sample as it is to the purchasing manager who orders thousands of parts for production builds. 

• Reduce Costs

Minimizing inventory helps reduce risk and costs. Authorized stocking distributors keep a large supply of connectors, which means that OEM customers don't have to store excessive inventory. This allows OEM customers to optimize their working capital and storage space since they only pay for the products when needed. It also ensures timely access to the required components.

Authorized distributors can also help resolve the "single-sourced" issue. Since many distributors stock and offer the same connectors, the product is more readily available and accessible to OEMs – just as a multi-source product would be.  

• Market Trends

Distribution activity is a key indicator of the broader supply chain landscape. Distributors provide insights into market trends, supplier capabilities, and potential part availability risks, enabling OEM customers to make informed decisions about diversifying their supply base.

In addition, distributors remain up-to-date on product end-of-life (EOL) notices and can stock products prior to EOL, extending their availability.   This life-cycle management assistance can prove invaluable to OEM customers.

Technical Support

Many authorized distributors provide technical support to help OEMs select the right connector for their application or end-product. This support can include assistance with connector selection, application design, and troubleshooting. Some distributors offer customized services , such as kitting and packaging, cable assembly, testing and inspection. These services help enhance efficiency, reduce costs and get products to market faster.

Global Reach

If you design and sell products in different geographical regions, it's important to work with a partner who knows the design requirements in other countries. Global distributors can help with the compliance and certifications needed for specific geographic regions. Distributors can ensure that connectors (and product designs) meet relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements by providing documentation, certifications, and compliance testing services. This guarantees compliance with safety, performance, and environmental regulations.

Enhancing Customer Experience Globally

Hirose continues to strengthen its distribution network by strategically adding authorized global and regional distribution partners focused on target market segments that align with Hirose’s growth plans. Distributors make it easier to do business with Hirose. No matter where a customer is located, Hirose has a distribution partner who can support them.

For more information on how Hirose Electric's connectors can transform your wearable device design, visit hirose.com or contact our team of experts today.