Episode Details

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing for SaaS at Altium, to explore how manufacturers can stay resilient amid rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving global risks. Justin shares how his career journey—from early SaaS solutions to leading cloud-based collaboration tools for electronics design—has shaped his approach to visibility, agility, and innovation.

Together, they unpack the complex impact of new tariffs on electronic components, why just-in-time is being replaced by just-in-case, and how companies are shifting procurement strategies to adapt. Justin also talks about the role of cloud platforms like Altium 365 in improving real-time collaboration across design, procurement, and manufacturing—bridging gaps, reducing errors, and increasing speed to market.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:14) Electronics industry and trade landscape

(02:21) Altium's history

(07:24) Impact of US tariffs on electronics

(14:46) Challenges in product development

(18:13) Cloud-based collaboration and workflow automation

(24:44) Shifting from single to multi-source models

(25:09) The challenges of coordination

(25:33) Eliminating email chaos

(26:12) The importance of supply chain visibility

(26:44) Analog vs. digital supply chain management

(27:41) Benefits of cloud platforms

(29:37) Real-world examples of digitalization

(32:34) Geopolitical and cyber threats

(38:46) Collaboration in supply chain management

(43:27) The crystal ball of global sourcing

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Justin Sears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsears/
• Read more on the Altium 365 Supply Chain Management webpage: https://www.altium365.com/
• Check out the Altium BOM Portal: https://www.altium365.com/capabilities/supply-chain/bom-portal
• Check out Altium Stories on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AltiumStories
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- Lessons Learned from the Trenches: How AI Will Impact the Future of Work: https://bit.ly/3DUnROx
• WEBINAR- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2D
• WEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0Z
• WEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLma

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