Demystifying Intel Nomenclature - Understanding Family Numbers, S-Spec, and Ordering Codes
Date: June 26, 2023
Welcome to this week's news feed from Spectrum Sourcing!
In the world of Intel processors, understanding the nomenclature can be crucial for making informed decisions. This article delves into Intel's nomenclature, exploring key terms such as S-Spec, family numbers, and ordering codes. We also talk about how OEM’s, CEM’s, and distributors use them.
Family Numbers - Identifying Processor Generations
Intel assigns unique family numbers to its processor lines, representing different generations or microarchitectures. These numbers help identify the underlying technology and features offered by each processor family. Familiarizing yourself with Intel's family numbers allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and select the most suitable processors for your specific requirements.
S-Spec - Decoding Intel's Identification System
Intel employs an identification system known as S-Spec to differentiate between various processor models. S-Spec provides specific details about a processor, including its features, performance specifications, and revision information. It is essential to understand S-Spec codes when selecting processors to ensure compatibility and desired performance levels.
Ordering Codes - Streamlining Procurement
Intel's ordering codes streamline the procurement process by providing a standardized format for identifying and requesting specific processor models. These codes encompass various details, including the processor's S-Spec, family number, frequency, cache size, and other distinguishing features. By utilizing ordering codes, businesses can ensure accurate and efficient procurement of Intel processors.
Generally speaking, we find in practice that original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs) purchasing teams tend to call out Intel's family codes when requesting and ordering for their systems. We find that contract electronics manufacturers (CEMs) tend to use Intel ordering numbers when providing requirements and generating orders. Many distributors will use the s-spec callout when making product requests and ordering Intel CPUs.
To avoid confusion, Spectrum Sourcing provides the family code, s-spec number, and ordering code on the invoice and packing slip for every Intel shipment. This ensures that Intel’s nomenclature system does not get lost in translation between the procurement and receiving teams.
If you ever have any questions, please contact your service representative at Spectrum Sourcing. We can help you navigate Intel’s website to find the right products you need, and we are an industry leader in helping you source these products globally.
Simplify The Purchasing Desk - Trust Spectrum Sourcing’s Team of Professionals
Date: June 21, 2023
Welcome to this week's Spectrum Sourcing news article. We understand the challenges purchasing professionals face when it comes to electronics procurement. Issues are always occurring, and the goals always seem to change. That's why our focus is on making your purchasing experience easier, stress-free, and cost-effective.
In this article, we explore how Spectrum Sourcing can simplify your procurement process, provide quality solutions, and help you breathe easy while making a good impression on your boss. Let's dive in!
While the industry is coming out of the largest shortage market we have ever seen, many shortages still linger. When turning to independent distribution, you want to know that quality is of primary concern. Through the utilization of world class testing firms, buyers can rest assured that Spectrum Sourcing will provide top quality product that is free from defects while avoiding counterfeit issues.
Many buyers who may have been stung by high broker pricing over the past two years do not realize that there is now tremendous pricing potential in the market. Along with the occasional shortages mentioned above, there is now a tremendous amount of excess inventory lying on shelves around the world. Companies are having to unload this excess for less than they paid, and Spectrum Sourcing can bring these pricing opportunities to your door. Simply by sharing your demand, our team will work hard behind the scenes to find these opportunities.
We are currently inundated with excess lists. For those customers working with us to provide a demand profile, we are bringing them these opportunities to assess. The overage market is when we can really deliver smiles to our customers. Allow us to work with your team to bring those cost savings opportunities.
At Spectrum Sourcing, we are committed to making your purchasing experience easier, stress-free, and cost-effective. Our dedicated team simplifies shortage fulfillment, eases procurement processes, and ensures top-quality components. Trust us with your procurement needs, and let us help you solve shortages, save costs, and make your manager happy. With Spectrum Sourcing, you can breathe easy and achieve procurement success!
Maximizing Cost Savings in an Oversupply Market
Date: June 12, 2023
Today, we explore how an excess market can benefit your business and make buyers look great during their next management review. In a down market, it is easy for a company to focus on their current excess and worry about taking losses on that inventory. Customer orders may slacken during soft market conditions, which creates additional pressure to drive down costs. In an oversupply market, a broker, or independent distributor, is your best friend.
The overage market refers to the surplus component inventory of semiconductors (integrated circuits or ICs), CPUs, memory modules, and storage units. Overage arises due to various factors, including production forecasts, changes in demand, and supply chain fluctuations. Capitalizing on the overage market can yield significant cost savings and enhanced product fulfillment for businesses.
Purchasing departments for contract manufacturers and OEMs can be the biggest winners in an overage market. Because product becomes more readily available, a drop in pricing often follows. Savvy purchasing organizations will keep close tabs with their broker partners to understand where pricing is moving and get ahead of the ODM pricing adjustments. By purchasing excess at a discounted price from other manufacturers, brokers can pass these savings through to proactive OEM and CEM buyers.
Spectrum Sourcing helps our purchasing contacts by providing them purchasing reports to demonstrate costs savings that the buyer is driving within their organization. Having this information handy during a quarterly or annual review can prove beneficial for a positive employee review.
The best way to get started in driving cost savings is to provide updated demand lists to our team. Our Omni (think omniscience!) database can match that demand with the large amount of excess lists that are hitting our desks daily. We will do the behind-the-scenes work for you to identify those opportunities, verify the supply availability and pricing, and bring you offers to consider. It is an easy, and often fun, way to help your organization.
The overage market presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to drive cost savings and optimize product fulfillment. Act now by reaching out to your sales contact and let us get to work for you.
Stay tuned for more insights and industry updates from SpectrumSourcing.com as we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology hardware sourcing and procurement.
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: How Hardware Brokers Solve Shortages and EOL Issues
Date: June 5, 2023
Today we discuss six thoughts around the fulfillment of shortage and end of life (EOL) components from the independent distribution marketplace. Spectrum Sourcing’s custom marketplace viewer, Omni, is an industry leading tool for matching supply and demand in the marketplace. Reach out to us, and our sales team will be happy to demonstrate how this amazing tool can assist your supply chain and make your purchasing role easier.
First is understanding the impact of shortages and EOL challenges. Shortages of critical hardware components, such as CPUs, GPUs, memory, and storage devices, can significantly disrupt a manufacturer’s operations. Moreover, as technology evolves, older legacy systems reach EOL, making it challenging to find compatible parts. Hardware brokers specialize in addressing these challenges, helping organizations procure the necessary components and manage EOL transitions efficiently.
When businesses encounter difficulties in sourcing hard-to-find components, independent distributors, or hardware brokers, come to the rescue. Brokers possess extensive knowledge of the market, maintain wide networks of suppliers, and have access to reliable sources for obtaining even the most elusive parts. By leveraging their expertise, brokers assist organizations in finding suitable replacements or alternatives for hard-to-find components.
Supply chain disruptions can lead to delays, increased costs, and compromised productivity. Hardware brokers play a crucial role in mitigating these issues by providing efficient supply chain management services. By leveraging their industry connections and understanding of market dynamics, brokers help businesses navigate through challenges, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of critical hardware components.
The technology industry has witnessed significant swings in the CPU and memory marketplace in recent times. At some times, buyers will experience CPU and memory shortages at certain times while experience excess on these commodities at other times. Hardware brokers actively monitor market trends, working closely with manufacturers and distributors to identify available stock and manage allocation processes. Through their insights and relationships, brokers help businesses secure the necessary CPUs and memory modules, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
The growing demand for storage devices continues to rise. While SSDs are replacing HDDs in most cases, shortages can arise with either depending on market supply and demand and EOL activity. Hardware brokers assist organizations in navigating storage shortages, providing access to alternative options, optimizing storage solutions, and identifying suitable replacements.
A large gap that independent distributors can fill is the challenge of managing EOL and legacy systems. Hardware brokers have global resources and can tap into excess supply throughout the world. This knowledge and expertise ensure a seamless upgrade path and minimizes disruption to business operations.
Unleashing the Power of Technology: How Hardware Brokers Drive Business Success
Date: May 30, 2023
Welcome to the SpectrumSourcing.com News Page! This week, we explore the integral role of hardware brokers in driving business success. In today's technology-driven world, businesses rely heavily on hardware solutions to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and achieve their goals. Let's delve into how hardware brokers can unlock the power of technology and provide valuable insights for organizations in making informed decisions.
Understanding the Value of Hardware Brokers: Hardware brokers serve as trusted advisors, leveraging their expertise and industry knowledge to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of technology hardware sourcing. With a deep understanding of the supply and demand landscape, hardware brokers are able to source components and solutions that align with clients’ unique needs.
Tailored Hardware Solutions for Enhanced Efficiency: One of the key benefits of working with a hardware broker is the ability to access a wide range of hardware solutions tailored to specific business requirements. From computer hardware and networking equipment to storage devices, printing solutions, and security hardware, hardware brokers offer comprehensive options that optimize efficiency and support business growth.
Access to the Market, from Legacy Components to the Latest Technological Advancements: Whether you are sourcing legacy, end of life (EOL) components or looking for the newest products on the market, hardware brokers have global sources to help solve your purchasing requirements.
Procurement Efficiency and Cost Savings: Hardware brokers streamline the procurement process, saving businesses valuable time and resources. With their established relationships with manufacturers and suppliers globally, brokers can often negotiate favorable pricing and terms on behalf of their clients. This results in cost savings and ensures businesses receive high-quality hardware solutions at competitive prices.
In the digital age, harnessing the power of technology while remaining a competitive market player is crucial for business success. Hardware brokers play a pivotal role in helping organizations unlock the full potential of the technology marketplace. Allow us to empower your business with world class market guidance to provide high quality, lower cost components to ensure your business is competitive year over year.