Ex.

of industrial products sold in B2B Converge

 Electronic Components Distribution
 What does an independent distributor have that a broker may not?
- Market intelligence: an independent distributor can provide valuable insight into
what is going on in the marketplace, commodity manager can help the customer in
making a LT educated decision based on changing market conditions. This decision
can be = to cost savings and reduced risk in the supply chain.
- Q360 quality management: An independent distributor can offer a rigorous quality
inspection process utilizing the latest state-of-the-art testing equipment, trained and
certified staff and vendor management program to ensure the authenticity of each
component being received.
- Global footprint: the independent distributor can have facilities strategically located
around the world, with an established global logistics infrastructure and integrated
systems that can provide a range of services – from warehousing to packing and
shipping for customers.
- High industry standards: independent distributors are typically required or expected
to adhere to more stringent industry standards. Therefore, most belong to some type
of trade industry organization, such as the IDEA and hold certifications (ISO 9001,…).
Since they offer more resources than brokers, they can also give more certainty for
their customers. An independent electronic components distributor will stand by the
product or shipment if there ever is a problem and will remedy the issue.

 What is the difference between an independent distributor and a broker?

- In electronic components industry, both the independent distributor & broker help
OEMs and manufacturers secure obsolete and end-of-life parts that franchise
distributors cannot.
- Goal of indep. distributor & broker = help buyer & seller find each other.
- Value of broker: procuring electronic parts when needed, but lack offering services.
Does not have an established facility.
A broker can be a small firm or an individual with a limited supply of parts/inventory.
- Independent distributor: offers a lot of services, in an established facility.

Converge – An Arrow Company

Subsidiary of Arrow Electronics, full services & industry-leading global supply chain partner,
35 years of experiences in electronics components distribution. Provide data-driven supply
chain solutions to customers challenged with shortage, inventory or supply chain
management needs.

Solution & Services:

- Electronic Component Sourcing services: Converge has the market space that is
essential to quickly resolve electronic component shortages  established original
equipment manufacturer & electronic manufacturing services relationships in order
to find obsolete, hard-to-find electronic components and other hard-to-find parts.
- Excess inventory management
 - Quality program to ensure the integrity of sources and components (inspection &
testing service, supplier management, industry-certified quality team, certifications &
registrations, affiliations). The combat counterfeits.
Obsolescence : FOM = Future Of Obsolescence Management
- Fom services: transforming obsolete components into available parts.
- Fom analytics: transforming information overload into actionable supply chain
intelligence
- Fom Community
Computing:
- Customer designed programs
- Market intelligence
Converge Difference (= VP)
- Global Distribution Network
- Customer-focused supply chain systems: integrated systems and tools that provide
supply chain insights and deliver competitive advantages.
- Full solution suite: end-to-end lifecycle management
Resources:
- …
- Blob
- Video
- Webinars & podcasts

 very well-structured company that put into place a system to answer a common
electronic need: find ole electronic pieces/devices that still work, fights against product
obsolescence. Offers a lot of solutions for electronic supply chain.