Regarding supply chain issues, the global pandemic is not finished wreaking havoc.
But despite continued backlogs, we’re hopeful that 2024 might be a little better when it comes to delivering the products our customers order.
Good News, Bad News
We got a lot of equipment in the fourth quarter to fill some of our big orders, which was nice. However, we don't have a great forecast on what the first quarter will look like when we order something new; orders are still pushed out for 15 to 20 weeks.
The supply chain is still quite unstable. Motorola informs us they will work on pushing delivery dates during the first quarter and pushing products out quicker. So we’re hoping for a better timeline for delivery.
We are still looking at long delivery dates. Most of our professional series radios are coming in, but our commercial series radios are still pushed out and not coming in; they're way past 20 weeks.
What are the issues?
Motorola seems to focus on the higher-end tier for deployment, and then they will work on the lower-end tier. We’re hoping to get some of both, but it’s still a waiting game for a number of items we need for big projects.
Sometimes Motorola will surprise us, and we get products within that 12- to 15-week time frame. But it’s still a long wait for a radio. Before the pandemic, we would get them in 10 days. These days, it’s more like 20 weeks.
Waiting for Batteries
Another problem related to a shortage of chips is the long wait for batteries. We’re still using after-market batteries. Waiting for batteries after many months is extremely challenging for us and our customers.
What We’re Doing in the Meantime
We know Motorola is working on it diligently to be more productive and timely. In the meantime, we are trying to stock the shelves to have some inventory. Internally, we're working on inventory to fill the orders.
Coping with Supply Chain Delays
We need to be proactive and plan ahead.
My best advice is to order early—try to foresee when you might need it and plan ahead. We can do budget quotes to give you an idea of when your products will arrive. We can do a quote based on products that will arrive six months later. We can help you forecast, both for you and for us
Flexible Payment Options
This industry is still very much in recovery mode. Some manufacturers are ahead of others, and Motorola is working hard to get back to full speed, but they’re not there yet. So, if you need a Motorola radio or battery, you can order them and defer payment until they come in. That is a great way to work around the supply chain challenges.
We can also arrange prepayment or manual billing if your budget demands it.
Leasing Options
Leasing is another good option. We partner with Lease Corporation of America, which has a one-page credit application. Some customers choose this option because it can fit into a budget instead of a large upfront cash payment.
Talk to Us
We wish we weren’t still dealing with these supply chain issues; it definitely adds challenges to our operation and yours. But the situation is improving—at least slightly—and we are doing all we can to ensure you have the communications equipment your organization needs to stay safe, secure, and connected.
Don’t let the headlines about supply chain delays postpone your decisions about two-way radios or any other equipment you need to optimize your operations.
The products are only part of the solution to communications challenges. Our client-centric approach means we’re ready to talk to you about your investments in the security of your schools, workplaces, and communities.
Whatever you need, we’ll be straight with you about how much it costs and how long it will take to get it into your hands.
To get a free estimate on the best communications solution for your needs, contact Chicago Communications.
