Sector: ITES
Situation: Global Semiconductor Chip Shortage (2020–2023)
A leading multinational ITES provider, with data and analytics hubs across APAC and EMEA, faced major operational hurdles during the global semiconductor chip shortage (2020–2023). The shortage, fueled by export restrictions, pandemic-induced shutdowns, and unprecedented demand, disrupted the timely procurement of critical IT infrastructure.
Between 2020 and 2023, the ITES industry experienced unprecedented disruption as semiconductor supply chains collapsed. Export controls, factory closures, and surging demand from remote work, EVs, and IoT strained global availability, creating bottlenecks in IT infrastructure delivery.
Challenges Faced by the Client
- Procurement Delays: Lead times for critical IT components stretched 12–16 weeks, affecting delivery schedules.
- Geopolitical Disruptions: Export restrictions and instability restricted access to global suppliers.
- Logistics Chaos: Factory shutdowns and port congestion inflated costs and timelines.
- Demand Surge: Remote work, EV, and IoT markets squeezed chip availability further.
- Supplier Visibility Gap: Limited insights into Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers weakened risk management.
How Datasurfr Helped
Proactive Risk Management
Datasurfr’s tools enabled early risk detection and smarter sourcing:
- Geographical Intelligence Alerts flagged policy shifts like the US CHIPS Act, predicting export restrictions.
- List View Dashboard consolidated real-time risk events across APAC & EMEA.
- Concentration Risk Index assessed 12 operational risks, highlighting supplier vulnerabilities.
- Proximity Alerts identified natural disasters (Texas winter storm, Renesas fire, Thailand floods), giving foresight into disruptions.
Client Action: The ITES provider diversified sourcing across regions, adjusted purchase orders, and signed fallback contracts with alternate vendors to minimize risk.
Real-time Response
- Interactive Maps and live alerts allowed operations teams to track events continuously.
- 24×7 Analyst Support offered in-depth intelligence for quick decision-making.
Client Action: Workflows were swiftly adjusted, and deliveries coordinated across impacted regions.
Results
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: Early warnings enabled faster supplier shifts and contingency planning.
- Timely Responses: Real-time monitoring minimized delays and escalations.
- Operational Resilience: Procurement realignment and enhanced visibility ensured continuity and financial stability.
Conclusion
This Global Semiconductor Chip Shortage Case Study highlights how Datasurfr’s risk intelligence platform helped an ITES leader navigate severe supply chain challenges. By enabling real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and proactive sourcing strategies, the client maintained operations during one of the most turbulent global crises. For ITES companies, this case underscores the need for supply chain resilience, visibility, and risk-aware procurement strategies to withstand future disruptions.
