CIE Components in Electronics
New research from Plastic Logic exposes the frustrations that engineers are facing with the display supply chain and the impact this is having on product design. 49 per cent claim they struggle with prototyping because of display sample availability, while a further 37 per cent find it difficult to match unusual display requirements with what’s available from suppliers. 55 per cent of engineers also find it a challenge to get development kits to operate quickly when integrating displays into their product.
The barriers engineers are experiencing when sourcing and evaluating displays could explain why only 20 per cent actually conduct a rigorous assessment of display technologies as part of design projects and why one in ten admit to never refreshing the display technology in their products — this is despite ‘innovating new product features’ being a unanimous priority.
“Clearly as an e-paper display vendor, making our displays as easy to source and evaluate as possible is the best way to inspire innovation and allow customers to experience first-hand how the technology can benefit their devices,” commented Tim Burne, CEO, Plastic Logic. “If we’re going to be successful in stimulating experimentation with display technologies like e-paper and encouraging more focus on display innovation then it’s crucial we aren’t creating unnecessary barriers in the supply chain. With our e-shop and industry collaborations we’re taking positive and proactive steps to eradicate these barriers for engineers.”
“In-house display expertise isn’t abundant — a quarter (24 per cent) of the engineers we surveyed believe their organisation lacks skills in this area — so working with a strong and supportive partner is important to help avoid design and supply chain frustrations and encourage innovation in this incredibly competitive marketplace.”
All these findings and more are examined in the State of Display, a report from Plastic Logic that examines the role and potential of display innovation in product design. The reporthighlights the importance of fighting compromise and convention, encouraging an open-minded and informed approach to display selection.
