How do you handle the supply chain nightmare when a critical Allen-Bradley CompactLogix module has a 26-week lead time but your customer needs production in 4 weeks? What creative alternatives exist beyond paying 300% markup on the gray market?

Question

Accepted Answer

Oh man, I feel your pain! That 26-week lead time for a critical Allen-Bradley CompactLogix module when your customer needs production in just 4 weeks is a total nightmare. Here are some creative alternatives to avoid that 300% gray market markup:

1. Check with local distributors and integrators - Sometimes they have inventory that's not listed online or can pull from other projects

2. Consider alternative PLC platforms - Siemens S7-1200 series is often mentioned as a good alternative with better availability and cheaper software

3. Look at refurbished/used equipment - Reputable refurbishers can provide tested units with warranties at reasonable prices

4. Explore temporary workarounds - Can you use a different I/O module temporarily? Or reconfigure existing hardware?

5. Contact Rockwell directly - Sometimes they have emergency allocation programs for critical situations

6. Network with other companies - Industry forums and local automation groups might know someone with spare inventory

The key is to be creative and persistent. Have you considered what specific CompactLogix module you need? That might help narrow down the search options!

Item added to your cart

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle the supply chain nightmare when a critical Allen-Bradley CompactLogix module has a 26-week lead time but your customer needs production in 4 weeks? What creative alternatives exist beyond paying 300% markup on the gray market?

Recent Q&A

Contact form

Country/region

Language