Analog Devices is specifying 2-year leadtimes on new orders. And orders that were made 6 months ago, and promised delivery around now, were also pushed out, probably because they're selling them to their large customers instead. Insanity. We're strongly considering abandoning them for this nonsense.
If manufacturers are being overly optimistic with their lead times maybe we should be overly optimistic with our EAU (estimated annual use).
Normally manufacturers back off after I answer their question about EAU. One time, my boss wanted prices for extra large quantities for projections. The manufacturer was very friendly, offering FAEs to help with design and test dev kits for us. That lasted until they had a conversation with my boss and now I think we're back on their DNA (do not answer) list or worse.
That would make sense. My theory is just that Coronavirus is bringing out all the unspoken complaints and issues companies and individuals had in the past but didn't express, now they all have an excuse to act the way they wanted to all along, which often means delivering their deliverable, whatever they are, may take a bit longer if that extra smidgen of incentive is not put there. (As in when they feel they are being taken for granted, for example). It makes us realize just how much the social contract (which is falling apart right now, in many places, IMHO) is worth in terms of its monetary value to society. (Something many are in denial about)
At the same time, as things are falling apart in developed countries, in developing countries, things may be becoming more reliable, pay may be rising towards Western standards, workers finally being appreciated more by long resistant employers. They may even be developing a middle class?
Does anybody have any thoughts on that?