News and Product Updates

Maintaining lead times in today's world

It's hard to go a day without hearing about supply chain issues across the country and around the world. While this has had an impact on TC Communications, we have taken several steps to mitigate the impact to our customers.

Although we cannot control the chip shortage, being in complete control of product design means we can quickly make adjustments as supply changes. We maintain product quality and reliability because the products go through the same rigorous scrutiny and testing as the original designs.

"Knowing and selecting which components go into the product help the planning team to spot supply issues early on."

End-to-end process ownership

Since its inception in 1991, TC Communications has insisted on owning the full process from product design to final assembly and test. Our products and people have achieved a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness that has been built on the foundation of these core values.

Our lead time: 2 to 4 weeks

Currently, standard lead times continue to stay at 2 to 4 weeks for most products and configurations, with rush orders shipped in 3 to 5 business days when available.

For products with higher demand (like JumboSwitch® TC3846-6 and Mini Channel Bank TC8614), we are keeping a closer eye on stock forecasts. In addition, we are working with customers to anticipate upcoming needs and supply issues.

It's in the design

Ensuring consistent lead times during a supply shortage is a multifaceted approach. One part is controlling the design. Knowing and selecting which components go into the product help the planning team to spot supply issues early on.

Many of our products use chips from a family of specialist chips. Controlling the design means that we have been able to design our products to take any number of these chips rather than the single chip of the original design. This allows us to continue manufacturing products by sourcing from a wider range of chips, thus enhancing availability.

We also take ownership in the manufacturing process. When products share components, a lower amount of stock is needed to support a wider range of products and the product mix can be tailored to current demand.

Although these actions do not make TC Communications immune to supply shortages it does mean that we can mitigate the bullwhip effect when it reaches our products and decreases the delays until supply levels recover.

How can our customers help?

DPAS numbers are often part of military and utility projects. Providing your number will help get priority for parts.

Steve Tang, Quality Manager

About TC Communications

Established in 1991, TC Communications is a global designer and manufacturer of critical communications solutions that enable integration of legacy devices with modern networks. Built on the mission to provide the most reliable and efficient products, the company serves the utilities, public safety, oil and gas, rail, aviation and government/military industries. TC Communications is the home of JumboSwitch®, a rugged and versatile Ethernet platform with a range of interfaces designed to integrate a broad spectrum of communication devices over a single network. All operations, including engineering, manufacturing and support, are conducted at the headquarters in Irvine, CA. Please visit https://www.tccomm.com/ to learn more or follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.