Digi-Key is introducing part tracking on select cut-tape products to further enhance traceability and product customization offerings, and to make it easier for customers to visually verify their cut-tape product.
Throughout the electronics component industry, traceability of cut-tape products is a frustrating challenge. Once the product is removed from the distributor's labeled bag, it can be difficult to identify. As a distributor of SMD cut-tape, Digi-Key aims to address this challenge. Now, with Digi-Key cut-tape displaying this information, customers can not only visually verify their cut-tape but also access the Digi-Key traceability portal and search for more information as needed.

Digi-Key is the industry's first distributor to offer this level of customization and enhancement and expects the offering to be available on 36,000 pieces by June 2021. The following information is available for printing on 8mm wide paper conveyor belt products: sales order, invoice, line item (detail ID), date code, batch code, Digi-Key part number, manufacturer part number, manufacturer name, quantity, country of origin, catalog description, customer reference, and purchase order number. Orders must have a minimum length of 200mm (approximately 8 inches), which equates to approximately 50 parts for a 4mm pitch belt or 100 parts for a 2mm pitch belt. Part tracking information will be printed in English.
"We are excited to begin offering this enhanced service to our customers," said Jim Ricciardelli, executive vice president of digital business at Digi-Key. “We know that having this information available on cut tape will be a huge help to the designers, manufacturers, and builders of tomorrow’s innovations. An engineer will be able to quickly scan any part of the cut tape to determine exactly what product it is, where it came from, and much more information, leading to better traceability and less confusion.”
Part tracking is now available on 8mm 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 extra cost, provided the required minimum orders are met.