Adding Value is Key to Competitive Advantage

Dear Reader

Whether its uncertainty in the financial markets, the introduction of new legislation and regulations, the increasingly global nature of manufacturing or the pressure to design ‘greener’ products, one thing is certain – the environment in which we operate continues to change rapidly. Such change continually throws up new challenges, and how companies address those challenges is fundamental to long-term success.

So how can the electronics industry in Northern Europe address all of these new and emerging challenges while remaining competitive on the global stage? Rather than simply trying to compete with low cost regions on their terms (by working harder or ‘running faster’), one strategy is to focus on realising additional value.

One of the most exciting ways to add value is to create advanced products by bringing together the rich pool of talent and expertise in the region with the latest technologies. This value led approach can provide developers and manufacturers of electronic products with real competitive advantage, which, in turn, leads to better market control and long-term, successful customer relationships.

At Arrow, we believe that a fundamental element of our role is to help our customers maximise the added value of their designs – whether through the identification and selection of the best components and system-level platforms from our extensive linecard, the provision of design tools that simplify prototyping and minimise time to market, or the availability of a broad portfolio of value added services that ranges from technical and FAE support to advanced supply chain solutions.

By choosing Arrow you are selecting a distributor that can help you turn your ideas into finished products by working with you every step of the way - from initial concept to volume production.

What’s more, as a stable, global organisation with comprehensive support at a local level we are able to create real relationships that last over time.

Of course, in any long-term relationship roles change, people move on and new people appear. Recently, for example, I took over the role of Arrow Nordic managing director from Karl Johan Lier, who held the position for the last eight years. In my new role I am committed to ensuring we help all of our customers optimise the value of their new product developments by providing the best mix of technologies, service and support.

In this issue of Arrow Innovation you can read about just some of the technologies and services that can help you in your search for added value. As always, should you have any comments or queries on any of the stories covered, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Reino Suonsilta
Managing Director, Arrow Nordic