May 19, 2021
How can A/V integrators stay ahead of rising demand for wireless audio projects?
Demand is very strong for RF Venue products - discuss your needs with us through the rest of the year so we can help you manage inventory and keep projects moving
School and church streaming projects and outdoor PA systems carried wireless microphones and in-ear monitors through the worst of 2020. Those systems will continue to grow as a permanent part of hybrid in-person/remote events. But now as the economy comes back, the demand for wireless audio systems is soaring. That is certainly welcome news! However, we've been hearing from many that rebound will also present an unpredictable period for product availability, potentially leading to backorders and long lead times on even the most basic items.
RF Venue is in-stock and sharply ramping up production of core antenna and RF signal distribution products to support any brand wireless microphone and in-ear monitor system project.
The impact of this supply chain crunch will affect A/V system integrators, who are now clearing backlogs of projects put on hold during 2020. Unlike distributors, many integrators stay very lean on inventory, and for good reason, if they don't have a project, the holding cost of extra inventory has a negative impact on their cashflow. Many integrators have worked to perfect a just-in-time strategy for installation projects, where before a project is ready for installation, all of the equipment needed will be ordered, delivered, and then installed in as short a timeframe as possible. At best this just-in-time method produces an ideal outcome for the integrator, minimizing cash tied up in inventory and shortening the time between payment to their suppliers and invoice payment from their customer. At worst, this method results in backorders, project delays, and frustrated customers.
The 2021-2022 rebound and supply chain crunch will make it a lot more difficult for just-in-time, so it is time for integrators to work more closely with their suppliers and do some advance planning to stock ahead on key products.
Project estimators and system designers will need to become more involved in purchasing and inventory planning than they normally might be. e.g. "Will the equipment we're specifying be available to meet the customer's timeframe?" Now is the time to reach out to suppliers to understand what items are available, which ones may be on allocation, and which are out of stock. As an industry leader at a large pro audio reseller recently commented, "in-stock is the new "on-sale".
Be sure to Contact Us for your next project or discuss your needs through the rest of the year so we can help you manage inventory and keep projects moving.
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