In for the long haul

Let’s step back to 1972, when an enterprising young electrical engineer started Digi-Key. Dr Ronald Stordahl knew from experience what design engineers wanted from an electronic components distributor – a customer-centred business that would provide a broad selection of quality components which were readily available in prototype and production quantities. Today, Digi-Key continues to focus on superior service, including the key areas of product selection, availability, on-time delivery and responsiveness. “This is what we do,” says Mark Larson, Digi-Key’s president and chief operating officer since 1976. “Day in and day out, our focus is on providing design engineers with the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components. Having products in stock and ready for off-the-shelf delivery and responding quickly and efficiently to our customers’ needs is not only Digi-Key’s history, but also its future.” During its 37 year history, Digi-Key has witnessed and endured numerous business cycles. “During these cycles, our philosophy has always been that, along with temporary difficulties, come unique opportunities,” Larson says. “When business slows, it affords us the ability to catch our breath, assess what we’re doing and, ultimately, make improvements. Currently, Digi-Key is working to further strengthen its information technology infrastructure as well as formally examining and streamlining internal business processes. We continue to make investments in both software and hardware to support these efforts.” Digi-Key also views this current business cycle as an opportunity to gain market share. “Regardless of the economic climate,” says Larson, “design engineers around the globe will continue to create innovative, next-generation solutions and we will continue to make available the components they require to accomplish their tasks. It is our goal that every engineer who doesn’t already know will come to realise that they can rely on Digi-Key for the products they need and the service they deserve.” In addition to stocking all of the 400,000-plus products featured in its print catalogue, thus having the components engineers need when they need them, Digi-Key is making a concerted effort with many of its 400 supplier partners to provide the education and information design engineers require to make critical purchasing decisions. “An example,” Larson says, “is our comprehensive library of more than 420 exclusive product training modules (PTMs).” Available in both audio and non-audio versions at uk.digikey.com, Digi-Key’s PTM Online … On Demand product-training modules are produced by Digi-Key with the cooperation of participating supplier partners. Larson adds, “From this single source, engineers can learn about the latest products and technologies, contact Digi-Key’s technical staff, download datasheets, check inventory and place an order for same-day shipment. Available 24/7/365, these unique tools facilitate faster time to market and make Digi-Key a one-stop shop for all of our customers’ needs.”