Live-links let designers search for components

Altium is introducing new live-links from Altium Designer to the databases of component suppliers.

These live-links will allow designers to search on-line supplier-databases directly from Altium Designer and consider information such as cost and availability when choosing components.

At the moment this is often left to the procurement department after the design is completed.

In this situation, unavailable parts can delay release schedules or lead to a major redesign.

The live-links will help ensure the crucial information about a component is at designers' fingertips at the start of the design process.

Designers can pull information on component cost and availability, for example, directly from a supplier's database and incorporate this into their design and decision-making processes.

Once links are established within Altium Designer, the information can be updated at any time.

Designers will no longer have to continuously check suppliers' websites to get the latest information.

These live-links to suppliers' databases, combined with the ability to publish information, such as bills of materials, directly to online servers, opens the door to sophisticated real-time quoting and ordering services.

The first live-link will be to components-supplier Digi-Key.

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