B2B Portal Electronics

The computer electronic industry is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. A computer’s capability is first and foremost influenced by the performance of components such as semiconductors. Semiconductors are chips which are integrated today in most industrial and end consumer devices. Semiconductors are used in computers, mobile phones or digital audio players. Some semiconductors emit light, which is led to a so called LED. Semiconductor technology also plays a vital role in the electronics fabrication as the components facilitate mass production.

 

Computers exist of hardware and software. Computer hardware is computer equipment which is tangible, as for example computer monitors, displays, cables, keyboards, printers and mice. Computer software is the term for programs or protocols.

 

Today, computers are found in various applications. The industrial sector uses computers for manufacturing in mass production, in industry robots or for precision engineering. Computers replace human labour. The advantage is that monotonous work, which makes a worker suffering mentally and physically, can be done easily. Furthermore, computers can take over work that bears high risks, for example when toxic materials are used in the production process. Computers are programmable and independent from human needs and can therefore work 24 hours, 7 days a week with minimal downtimes. In the last decades, computers in plants have often increased performance, productivity and efficiency. However, many jobs were lost.

 

Also in our private homes and lives, computer technology plays a vital role. Computers can be found in many consumer electronics. They are integrated, for example, in digital wrist watches, powered by batteries, and store, process and display data for the user. Laptops or personal computers start accompanying us from kindergarten age. 

 

Especially in the consumer electronics sector, there have been tremendous changes. Many devices have planned obsolescence as product innovation cycles get shorter and follow-up models are marketed soon after the launch of the predecessor model. Therefore, a new issue arises: electronic waste or in the computer industry so called computer waste. The necessity for the recycling of electronic parts created a new business activity in the service sector. Computer recycling companies go to the market with waste disposal systems and computer recycling systems. In some countries even the computer manufacturing industry faces higher costs when forced to taking back the electronics. Associations and politicians claim that electronic waste has to be seen as a resource. The reusing and refurbishing of computer systems are options, too. This could also decrease the demand for valuable natural resources.