We’re more than just a specialist distributor
Global electronic component sourcing for genuine products & parts.
Princeps streamlines the sourcing of safe, traceable, obsolete and hard-to-find electronic, electrical and electromechanical components for customers in the aerospace, defence, medical, transport and other advanced industries. We understand the concerns around product lifecycles and counterfeit mitigation. Our proactive approach to managing and identifying any prospective issues provide you with the peace of mind that your supply chain is secure and competently tested for authenticity and quality assurance.
Quality
Industry-leading quality with the assurance of AS9120 & AS6081 certification.
Service
Unparalleled customer service, characterised by our can-do attitude, industry collaborator network and attention to detail.
Communication
Complete transparency and two-way communication drives everything we do.
We add value by taking ownership of counterfeit mitigation, on-time delivery, obsolescence management and resolving supply chain challenges. Utilising our global network of thousands of manufacturer-authorised sources, we provide a single-source, secure and straightforward solution for electronic component sourcing.
We’re subject matter experts with over 150 years of staff industry experience, we provide you with solutions to projects at more than just component level. This includes lifetime support on niche franchise lines and being obsolescence management specialists, component brokers simply don’t offer this.
Streamlined Supply Chain Solutions
Our range of Supply Chain and Component Sourcing services include:
Traceability
Safe, traceable sourcing of currently available EEE components. Order traceable current parts via a variety of ordering and delivery models including blanket, call off and KANBAN.
Sourcing
Rely on our knowledge & expertise to securely source the parts you need. Secure sourcing for hard-to-find parts including those that are obsolete.
Obsolescence
Continuity planning for obsolescence & open market sourcing of obsolete parts. Obsolescence management and mitigation, BOM monitoring and AS6081 releases, helping avoid long term supply concerns.
Tail Management
Rationalise a range of suppliers to a single point of contact. Vendor tail reduction for supply chain simplification and giving you a single point of contact for EEE sourcing and procurement.
Kitting
Managed solution including sourcing and traceability. Simplify production with kitting solutions & reduce hidden costs, streamlining manufacturing and addresses counterfeit mitigation.
We’re more than just a specialist distributor
Sourcing fully traceable electronic, electrical, and electromechanical (EEE) components
Princeps specialises in secure sourcing and supply of fully traceable electronic, electrical, and electromechanical (EEE) components, including hard-to-find and obsolete parts, for high-reliability (hi-rel) applications in aerospace, defence, mass transit, medical, and industrial sectors.
Trusted Partner Since 2006
Established in 2006, the company aims to be the trusted strategic supply chain partner UK manufacturers turn to for solving complex EEE component supply challenges
Global Sourcing Network
With access to a global network of manufacturer-authorised sources, Princeps ensures flexibility, competitive pricing, and full traceability
Commitment to Traceability
Princeps remains committed to delivering fully traceable, risk-free parts on time and within budget
Accredited Expertise
Princeps is accredited with AS9120 and AS6081, with in-house inspection and testing capabilities. We provide counterfeit mitigation, obsolescence management, kitting services, vendor tail management, and solutions to intricate supply chain issues
Expanded Product Range
As the company has grown, its product range has expanded to include sourcing of standard and custom COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) products, build-to-print (BTP) services and kitting solutions designed for efficiency and value
Active Standards Contributor
We play an active role in industry's response to the threat of counterfeit parts, sitting on such organisations as CAWG and IECQ, contributing to standards development, test methods and training.
Quality
Industry-leading quality with the assurance of AS9120 & AS6081 certification.
Service
Unparalleled customer service, characterised by our can-do attitude and RFQ-to-delivery order progress updates.
Communication
Complete transparency and two-way communication drives everything we do.
Core Principles of Princeps
About Princeps, Our Location & Background
Princeps has been built on the three fundamental principles: Quality, Service and Communication, it’s what we call ‘The Princeps Way’. This is our commitment to our customers and it is what sets us apart and makes us different from other distributors.
‘Princeps’ as a name was inspired by our mission to show there is a better way to do distribution – and to be the best. It comes from the Latin word meaning “first in time or order; the first, foremost, chief, most eminent, distinguished or noble”. It was an unofficial title given to Roman emperors at the height of the Roman Empire and is the root of many modern English words such as prince, principal and principled, associations we are proud of.
Quality
Traceability – AS9120
Counterfeit risk mitigation – AS6081
Continuous Improvement
Corporate Social Responsibility
Vendor tail management
Secure open market sourcing
Kitting
Independent, no Restrictions
Global reach
Buffer stock, kanban and blanket orders
Flexibility
Streamlined Supply Chain Solutions
Our range of Supply Chain and Component Sourcing services include:
Traceability
Safe, traceable sourcing of currently available EEE components. Order traceable current parts via a variety of ordering and delivery models including blanket, call off and KANBAN.
Sourcing
Rely on our knowledge & expertise to securely source the parts you need. Secure sourcing for hard-to-find parts including those that are obsolete.
Obsolescence
Continuity planning for obsolescence & open market sourcing of obsolete parts. Obsolescence management and mitigation, BOM monitoring and AS6081 releases, helping avoid long term supply concerns.
Tail Management
Rationalise a range of suppliers to a single point of contact. Vendor tail reduction for supply chain simplification and giving you a single point of contact for EEE sourcing and procurement.
Kitting
Managed solution including sourcing and traceability. Simplify production with kitting solutions & reduce hidden costs, streamlining manufacturing and addresses counterfeit mitigation.
Partnering for Your Supply Chain Security
Avoiding counterfeit products and ensuring your supply chain is traceable
We understand concerns around the risks of counterfeit products, particularly in the Aerospace and Defence sectors. Princeps uses a comprehensive approach, leveraging a library of over 1 million component images, X-Ray and XRF reports and decapsulation examples. We draw on a trusted network of collaborators. As active members of counterfeit avoidance working groups, we also contribute to the development of industry standards and testing methods.
We source from approved suppliers whilst going the extra mile to find an alternative, when required. Communication is always key and we make sure you are informed at every step
Our sourcing process relies on trusted, globally audited suppliers who offer structured pricing built on years of strong relationships. Every part undergoes rigorous testing in our in-house lab to ensure reliability and compliance.
Princeps is a problem solver at heart, providing supply chain security, testing and checking for Aerospace, Defence, Automotive and Marine sectors. We also assist industries including Security, Medical, Oil & Gas, Energy, Broadcast/Audio, Lighting, Instrumentation and Contract Electronic Manufacturers (CEMs), helping to source electrical components with a minimum of fuss. Our clients range from small teams of fewer than five people to large enterprises.
What is supply chain security, testing and checking?
Supply chain security is a comprehensive approach to protecting electronic and electrical components throughout their entire lifecycle, from design to deployment. In the complex world of e-mech and electronic industries, this process ensures the integrity, authenticity and reliability of components at every stage.
Testing for component verification includes authenticating the component source, screening for counterfeit materials, conducting quality assessments and verifying manufacturer credentials.
For the most effective supply chain security, consider implementing the following:
- Detailed traceability protocols
- Supplier qualification processes
- Regular auditing of manufacturing facilities
- Tracking and documentation systems
Testing components is vital. Here are some checks that can be made:
- Performance testing
- Durability assessments
- Functional reliability verification
- Material composition analysis
By applying stringent security measures companies protect themselves against potential risks, ensuring product quality, maintaining regulatory compliance and safeguarding technological infrastructure.
What is component quality assurance?
Component Quality Assurance (CQA) is an important process within electronic, electrical and electromechanical industries which checks that manufactured components meet performance, reliability and safety standards before being manufactured into final products.
CQA involves testing and validation designed to identify defects, performance inconsistencies and manufacturing variations. This approach helps organisations to:
- Mitigate risks of component failure
- Maintain consistent product performance
- Reduce potential warranty claims
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations
Typical CQA procedures include performing incoming material inspections, dimensional and functional testing, reliability and stress testing, statistical process control and documentation and traceability management.
In industries where precision is critical, such as aerospace, defence, automotive and marine, even minor component variations can have significant consequences. Strong CQA programmes protect manufacturers' reputations and customers by preventing system failures.
Current quality assurance uses advanced technologies like automated optical inspection, X-ray analysis and machine learning to enhance detection and streamline evaluation.
By putting in place Component Quality Assurance, organisations demonstrate commitment to product excellence and reliability.
What is an electronic component supply chain?
An electronic component supply chain is a network of organisations, processes and technologies responsible for designing, manufacturing, distributing and delivering electronic components from raw materials to the final product.
The supply chain includes several critical stages. Firstly, companies source raw materials like semiconductors, metals and elements from global suppliers. These materials are then manufactured in specialist factories to convert resources into electronic components such as microchips, resistors or capacitors.
Once manufacture is complete distribution channels with logistics networks transport components via authorised distributors, electronics wholesalers, online marketplaces or direct to manufacturers.
Electronic component supply chains face many challenges, including global semiconductor shortages, political pressures, increasing technological complexity and fast innovation cycles.
However, advanced technologies like AI and blockchain are now more commonly used to help improve supply chain transparency, predict disruptions, improve inventory management and streamline procurement.
Good supply chain management is vital for continuing innovation and meeting global electronics manufacturing demands.
What is global electrical component sourcing?
Global electrical component sourcing is a procurement process where businesses acquire electronic and electrical components from suppliers and manufacturers. This method means that companies can access high-quality components while reducing production costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Companies that source parts globally can benefit from several advantages. For instance, international markets are often more competitively priced compared to domestic suppliers. Additionally, different global regions specialise in specific technological areas, which means businesses gain access to pioneering electrical components. By diversifying suppliers across multiple countries, organisations can also spread the risk associated with localised disruptions.
Successful electrical component sourcing requires fundamental planning:
- Full market research
- Supplier evaluation
- Understanding international trade regulations
- Creating strong communication
- Implementing quality control
Whilst global sourcing offers many benefits, businesses must navigate potential difficulties such as language barriers, cultural differences, managing logistics and international compliance.
Well-planned global electrical component sourcing can provide competitive advantages for organisations.
What is the difference between electric component brokers and electric component distributor?
In the electronic components industry, brokers and distributors have separate roles in the supply chain. Electric component brokers are intermediaries in the component marketplace. They don't physically stock inventory but instead:
- Connect buyers with sellers
- Negotiate sales
- Source hard-to-find or obsolete parts
- Use their networks to locate components
- Usually work on a commission
Distributors, however, are more directly involved in the physical supply of components. Their role includes:
- Taking care of large inventories
- Purchasing parts directly from manufacturers
- Offering immediate stock availability
- Providing wide-ranging product catalogues
- Giving technical support and product advice
- Handling direct shipping and logistics
The main difference lies in inventory ownership and direct product handling. Brokers enable connections, while distributors physically manage and distribute components. Brokers specialise in finding rare or discontinued parts, whereas distributors provide reliable, quick access to standard electronic components. Both roles are essential in ensuring smooth component procurement for businesses and manufacturers.
What is the Princeps Way?
Princeps has been meticulously crafted around three core principles: Quality, Service, and Communication – what we call The Princeps Way. This is more than a statement; it is our unwavering commitment to our customers and the distinctive approach that differentiates us from conventional distributors.
Our company name, 'Princeps', is deeply rooted in historical significance and strategic vision. Derived from the Latin term meaning "first in time or order; the foremost, most eminent, distinguished or noble", the word embodies our mission to revolutionise component distribution. Just as the term once signified leadership and excellence in ancient Rome, we aspire to represent the pinnacle of innovation, reliability and strategic sourcing in the modern electronic components marketplace.