Interview with Sascha Päschel, RFID Product Manager at Pepperl+Fuchs!
The semiconductor shortage, the corona pandemic and worldwide supply bottlenecks are constantly presenting companies with new challenges. Pepperl+Fuchs, a specialist in sensor technology and electrical explosion protection, is not exempt from this. Sascha Päschel, RFID Product Manager at Pepperl+Fuchs, reviews the past two years in an interview.
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Changes and Challenges in the RFID Sector
Mr. Päschel, how has the RFID industry developed over the last two years?
Sascha Päschel: Overall, after a certain reluctance to invest at the beginning of the Corona pandemic, the RFID sector has developed very positively. Despite the well-known challenges such as the global shortage of raw materials and the disruption of global supply chains, we were able to realize double-digit growth.
Which industries have changed the most in this context?
Päschel: The areas of material handling and logistics have experienced a surge in digitization. In addition, the automotive industry is undergoing major changes. Manufacturing is changing, and new production lines are being built. This also affects machine builders and suppliers of materials handling technology. Motor roller controls as well as industrial communication components are also in high demand.
What impact do supply bottlenecks, the corona pandemic and the semiconductor shortage have on this development?
Päschel: The availability of raw materials and the shortage of semiconductors are hampering development. Many product redesigns were necessary. These allow the use of alternative semiconductors. In this respect, a more flexible response to market real availability is possible. This in turn leads to a better supply situation for the products.
New Products and Attendance at Trade Shows Planned for 2022
What goals has Pepperl+Fuchs set itself for 2022 and 2023?
Päschel: The shortage of raw materials and semiconductors is still relevant. Therefore, products have to be continuously adapted. Production is to become even more robust and flexible through the use of other memory components and chips. In addition, the market launch of a new RFID reader is still planned for 2022.
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The range of solutions is to be extended to new markets, such as the electronics industry. Witt Sensoric GmbH was acquired at the beginning of 2022. This company has expertise in the manufacture of safety sensors. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the company's presence in access automation. The ultimate goal is to reach the one billion mark in sales.
At which trade shows in Germany will Pepperl+Fuchs be present in 2022?
Päschel: After a successful trade show appearance at the LogiMAT and the Hannover Messe, Pepperl+Fuchs will participate in the Wireless IoT tomorrow in Wiesbaden, and the SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg.
