FEB. 20 Scottsdale, Arizona–Semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers are rapidly boosting their e-commerce capabilities, according to a new market research study by Cahners In-Stat Group, which creates benefits throughout the supply chain.

The value of e-commerce transactions in the semiconductor industry will jump from $19.6 billion in 2000 to $104.6 billion in 2003, forecasts Cahners In-Stat Group in ‘Semiconductor E-Commerce: Driving Supply Chain Efficiencies,’ while e-commerce transactions will grow from 9.3% of total semiconductor sales in 2000 to more than 38% in 2003.

Although most industries will benefit from e-commerce, the gains are expected to be particularily impressive in electronics markets that historically have faced rapid time-to-market demands. WIth e-commerce, engineers can reduce the time spent researching parts for new designs, purchase parts online, and eventually collaborate on product designs via the Internet. “Ultimately, e-commerce will enable multi-company integration of the entire supply chain from product design to end product servicing,” says Steve Sullen, director of Cahners In-Stat’s semiconductor service.

The report also indicates that larger companies in the semiconductor industry will host their own private e-commerce exchanges, while smaller firms will use public exchanges.