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Every delivery has a story. At Elexon Electronics, that story often begins with Nat Coventry, someone who sees beyond part numbers and purchase orders to the relationships, risks, and decisions that bring complex products to life. For over 17 years, Nat has helped shape a supply chain built on trust, precision  and persistence. From recovering after a fire to managing obsolescence and counterfeit risks, she is part strategist, part problem-solver and fully invested in making sure the right components arrive at the right time, every time.

Introduction and Background

Could you share a bit about your journey with Elexon Electronics? How long have you been with the company, and what initially attracted you to the role of Purchasing Manager?

I originally came over from the UK with a background in electronics assembly but had not worked in that field for about ten years. When I arrived in Australia, I had two small children and was looking for a job that could accommodate family life. I found a small advert in the newspaper for an assembler role at Elexon Electronics. I went in for an interview, met Pieter Kuiper, and was offered the job on the spot, starting the next day. That was over 17 years ago.

Back then, Elexon was a much smaller company, really still in its youth. I started as an assembler, moved into stores to help organise things there, and then progressed to Stores Manager, and eventually into my current role as Purchasing Manager. No two days are ever the same, and I have enjoyed every part of this journey.

As part of the Elexon Group of Companies, how do you see your role contributing to the broader vision of innovation that Elexon has been known for since its founding?

As Elexon has grown, particularly moving into Defence and complex manufacturing sectors, my role has evolved significantly. We had to strengthen our processes, particularly around obsolescence management, counterfeit mitigation, and ethical sourcing. We partnered with ERAI to strengthen our counterfeit management processes, and I have promoted that resource throughout the entire group. Our quoting processes have also improved significantly, and we have implemented more secure access and data management across the group.

As we expanded, we took on new suppliers aligned with our high standards and industry expectations. The growth has been steady, with well-managed strategies and knowledge sharing within the group. I am confident in the strength and maturity of our supply chain as it stands today.

Industry Relationships and Supply Chain Management

The electronics manufacturing industry has evolved significantly over the years. How has your approach to purchasing and supply chain management adapted to these changes while maintaining Elexon’s commitment to quality?

Supplier evaluations have become much more structured. We have developed formal evaluation processes where new suppliers must score at least 80% on our assessment to be approved. We conduct risk evaluations to minimise exposure to counterfeit products and ensure suppliers meet our ethical and operational standards. We collaborate closely with our Quality Department to ensure that our suppliers align with our expectations and those of our customers.

How do you approach selecting suppliers when it comes to balancing quality, efficiency, and supply chain reliability?

We use a combination of industry references, thorough vetting processes, and formal evaluations. Every new supplier is subject to a detailed checklist that covers certifications, risk assessments, and quality assurance measures. We also conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance and performance. This approach allows us to maintain a secure, resilient supply chain that supports the complex needs of our projects.

Elexon Electronics works across diverse sectors including Defence, commercial, agritech, IoT, and aerospace. How do you tailor your supply chain strategies to meet the unique requirements of these different industries?

We aim to treat all suppliers as if they are supplying aerospace-grade products. While not every industry requires that level of certification, we believe in holding consistently high standards. We also actively work to upskill our suppliers to meet the evolving needs of our Defence and aerospace customers. If suppliers are willing to learn and adapt, we grow together. If not, they often fall away from our supply chain.

Building strong relationships with suppliers seems to be a cornerstone of your approach. Can you share an example of how a particularly strong industry relationship has helped Elexon overcome a significant supply chain challenge?

We saw this clearly during both the global supply chain crisis caused by COVID and after the fire at our facility. When the global supply chain came to a halt, we leaned heavily on our Australian supplier network to keep us afloat. It revealed some gaps but also created opportunities to strengthen local capabilities, such as PCB manufacturing.

After the fire, we worked closely with suppliers like HW Technologies and Suba Engineering, Mission 4 (now part of Rebound), and many others who went above and beyond to help us restock inventory and get production back online. Word of mouth, networking, and long-standing relationships allowed us to recover quickly.

Innovation and Quality

The company has been implementing the Elexon2Zero quality and sustainability program. How has this initiative influenced your purchasing decisions and supplier selection criteria?

The Elexon2Zero initiative has helped us weed out suppliers who are unable or unwilling to meet our growing standards. We have become even more focused on on-time delivery, reliability, and consistency. It is not just about talk; suppliers need to demonstrate their capability to deliver. The program has also strengthened our triangular approach to supply chain management, working closely with both suppliers and customers to ensure alignment across all stakeholders.

When sourcing components for highly specialised products for industries like mining, agri-tech, and Defence, what unique considerations come into play?

Reliability, ruggedisation, and long-term performance are key, especially for Defence and mining applications. We collaborate directly with customers and suppliers to ensure components meet the necessary environmental and operational requirements. Our supply chain is designed to adapt to these specialised needs.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, what emerging trends or technologies do you see potentially transforming supply chain management in the electronics manufacturing industry?

There is less room for error, especially as we take on more strategic and Defence-related projects. Global political shifts, like tariffs in the US, will continue to impact the Australian market. We need tools that allow for flexibility and better visibility, such as a more advanced ERP system. While AI and digital tools are useful, I still believe there is no substitute for face-to-face relationships in this industry. Personal connections remain critical.

Sustainability is increasingly important in manufacturing. How are you incorporating environmental considerations into your purchasing decisions and supplier relationships?

We monitor conflict minerals closely, even without formal certification. Our suppliers provide reports annually, and we maintain environmental standards aligned with ISO 14001 principles. We also proactively manage end-of-life products, relying on early notifications from suppliers to make informed purchasing decisions and minimise obsolete stock.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in purchasing and supply chain management, particularly in the high-tech electronics manufacturing sector?

You need a strong team behind you. Purchasing can be challenging and rewarding, but having the right support is key. You also need good tools and a sharp mind, as there are always risks such as counterfeits and scams. But with a solid team and good systems, it can be a really enjoyable and fulfilling career.

Personal Insights

What has been your proudest achievement in your role as Purchasing Manager at Elexon Electronics?

Supporting our recovery after the fire was one of my proudest moments. Seeing how our suppliers rallied around us was incredibly rewarding. I am also proud of the various awards Elexon has won over the years, which reflect the hard work of our entire team.

Are there any supply chain or business leaders you particularly admire?

I admire the team at Mission 4, now part of Rebound. They started as a small business sourcing hard-to-find parts in Australia and have grown into a global player while maintaining excellent service and energy. I also have great respect for Market Graphics, particularly Judy and Steve, who have supported us tirelessly over the years.

Finally, what is one thing about purchasing and supply chain management that you wish more people understood?

It is not just about placing orders. It is about building relationships, creating loyalty, and managing complex systems behind the scenes to ensure that, when a part arrives, everything has been done to make that happen smoothly. There is an entire story behind every delivery.