Part Tracing for cut tape aids component management

Digi-Key says that this new development will enable engineers to better organise their components and also improve traceability.

Across the electronic component industry, the traceability of cut tape products is a frustration.

Once the product is out of the labelled bag from the distributor, it can be difficult to identify.

As a leader in SMD cut-tape distribution, Digi-Key wants to solve this challenge. Now, with the Digi-Key cut tape showing this information, not only does it help customers visually verify their cut tape, but they can also access the Digi-Key Traceability portal and look up further information as they need it.

Digi-Key says it is the first distributor in the industry to offer this level of customisation and enhancement and expects the offering to be available on 36,000 parts by June 2021.

The following information is available to be printed on 8 mm-wide paper carrier tape products: sales order, invoice, line item (detail ID), date code, lot code, Digi-Key part number, manufacturer part number, manufacturer name, quantity, country of origin, catalogue description, customer reference, and PO number.

Orders must be a minimum length of 200 mm (about 8 inches), which equates to about 50 parts for 4 mm pitch tape, or 100 parts for 2 mm pitch tape.

The part tracing information will be printed in English.

"We're thrilled to begin offering this enhanced service to our customers," said Jim Ricciardelli, executive vice president of digital business for Digi-Key. "We know having this information available on cut tape will be significantly helpful to the designers, makers and builders of tomorrow's innovations. An engineer will quickly be able to scan any cut tape part to determine exactly what product it is, where it came from, and so much more information, that leads to enhanced traceability and decreased confusion."

Part tracing is now available on 8 mm paper tape products, and the offering will expand over time.

Digi-Key will closely monitor customer demand as they consider adding additional SKUs and sizes to the offering.

This service is provided at no additional cost as long as required order minimums are met.