Global component shortages continue to challenge embedded product development. As a leading System on Module (SoM) provider, Variscite helps customers stay on schedule through a resilient supply chain strategy that includes inventory buffering, in-house manufacturing, strong supplier partnerships, and more than 20 years of industry experience.
The surge in AI-driven demand throughout 2025 intensified memory chip shortages as semiconductor manufacturers prioritized high-volume customers. As a result, industries such as medical, industrial automation, IoT, edge computing, and robotics have faced rising costs and extended lead times. These shortages have also impacted the availability of other key SoM components.
Vendors that depend on outsourced manufacturing often have limited ability to respond to supply disruptions, increasing the risk of delays for customers. At the same time, companies using chip-down designs instead of SoMs must source components independently, often struggling to secure supply due to lower purchasing volumes and reduced supplier priority.
In-House Manufacturing for Reliable Supply
Despite ongoing supply chain challenges across the industry, Variscite has maintained supply stability through a proactive inventory strategy and fully integrated in-house manufacturing operations. Backed by more than two decades of experience, the company has established strong relationships with multiple component suppliers, enabling greater sourcing flexibility and improved access to critical parts.
As an NXP Platinum Partner, Variscite benefits from procurement priority and early access to new NXP technologies, helping ensure consistent product availability even during periods of high demand.
Complete control over the manufacturing process further strengthens this resilience. By producing modules in-house, Variscite offers a wide range of configuration options, including multiple memory and RAM variants. When specific component combinations are unavailable, the company can recommend validated alternatives that allow customer projects to move forward without significant delays.
All manufacturing operations are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 27001 standards, ensuring that supply continuity is supported by rigorous quality management, medical-grade production practices, and strong information security controls.
20 Years of Supply Chain Leadership
Variscite’s supply chain resilience is built on years of strategic planning and investment. During the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, the company expanded its production and warehousing capacity by 25%, enabling it to maintain delivery schedules across its entire SoM portfolio while many manufacturers faced significant delays. The infrastructure and processes established during that period continue to support operations today.
“We have always focused on preparing ahead of potential disruptions,” said Ofer Austerlitz, VP of Business Development and Sales at Variscite. “By maintaining buffer inventories, investing in in-house manufacturing, and working directly with multiple key suppliers, we help our customers avoid the severe delays often associated with industry-wide component shortages. This approach allows both existing and new customers to maintain development and production schedules with confidence.”
As a result, Variscite customers benefit from reliable product availability and predictable delivery timelines, even during periods of market uncertainty. Combined with a 15-year product longevity commitment, the company helps reduce long-term sourcing risks and provides a level of supply continuity that is difficult to achieve through outsourced manufacturing models.
Overcoming SMARC Supply Challenges
For engineering teams facing supply challenges with existing SMARC-based designs, Variscite offers a straightforward migration path. Because the SMARC standard uses a common electrical and mechanical interface, developers can transition to Variscite SMARC modules without redesigning their carrier boards, reducing both risk and development time.
Variscite’s SMARC portfolio currently includes a module based on the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor, delivering quad-core performance with integrated AI and machine learning acceleration. An upcoming module based on the NXP i.MX 95 processor will add a six-core architecture and enhanced edge AI capabilities. Both solutions feature an onboard Trusted Platform Module (TPM), providing built-in hardware-level security for embedded applications.
