Allen-Bradley Micrologix 1400's

[dbaird]

Does any one know what the problem is with deliveries on Allen-Bradley Micrologix 1400's?

We recently had to change back to Micrologix 1100 on four different projects because we cannot get the Micrologix 1400's!!

David Baird

Sr Controls Designer
EET degree.
Journeyman Electrician.

 

[EddieWillers]

It's a component shortage problem. As demand has resurged for some electronic commodities, small-volume makers like RA have to get in line behind giants like Nokia and Dell, and RA just can't get some specific parts for the MicroLogix 1400.

I suspect that the time it would take to get a new component set validated by UL/CSA/CE is longer than it will take to get a shipment of parts.

You can bet that the "lean manufacturing" geniuses are getting their toes toasted over this one. At least, I hope they are.

 

[StephenSDH]

I have been having alot of issues with AB drives lately. They always blame their electronics suppliers. I get the same line that they have to manufacture the part to send it to me. They moved some of their manufacturing to Mexico, so items have to go through customs. These items should be sitting on a shelf in the US, but they are going lean. It has become a headache.

http://www.HearnEng.com

 

[PNachtwey]

Our purchasing agent has told me that lead times have gone out to months on some parts and it takes only the lack of one part to hold up production.

What we have here is a failure to communicate and customers with off and on buying that makes planning difficult.

Good purchasing agents should be on top of this. Suppliers should provide warnings to the purchasing agents through the distributors but sometimes communications are lacking.

This happens when demand drops and then suddenly picks up.
The customs excuse is lame. That may take days and can always be expedited.

Usually the parts are already certified CSA, UL or CE and that does not slow down shipment. Cabinets and whole machines are another thing.



Peter Nachtwey
Delta Computer Systems

http://www.deltamotion.com

 

[StephenSDH]

Lean manufacturing is a great strategy for corporations, but there is a balance between keeping the inventory's down and running out of product. You have to have reputable suppliers if you want to play the game they are playing.

http://www.HearnEng.com

 

[dbaird]

Thanks to all for their input. I'm beginning to wonder whether or not OEM's can produce anything very quickly in this country any more!!

David Baird

Sr Controls Designer
EET degree.
Journeyman Electrician.

 

[StephenSDH]

We barely get the supplies in time, and the last 2 projects one drive on each project was DOA. For the last project it took 3 months to get a thermocouple card. I would hate to be an End User with a machine down.

http://www.HearnEng.com