Navigating the Geopolitical Chaos

Geopolitical tensions are reshaping the IoT supply chain, fast. From shifting tariffs to restricted components and regional trade conflicts, companies building connected products are facing a new kind of chaos. According to Xavier Dupont from SG Wireless, it's time to rethink the sourcing and manufacturing process, starting at the design stage.

We used to worry about component shortages or long lead times. Now, entire regions are off-limits for sourcing or manufacturing. Dupont puts it plainly: “design for chaos.”

At SG Wireless, that means diversifying both component sourcing and manufacturing locations. As a result of recent developments, many companies have moved production from China to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam.

But flexibility can’t be retrofitted later. Dupont emphasizes the importance of embedding Design for Manufacturing (DFM) into the earliest stages of product development.

Too often, R&D teams build with their favorite components without considering where they come from or where the product will be made,” he explained. “In today’s climate, that’s a risk.

By embedding the DFM-mindset into the early stages of development, hardware teams can avoid over-dependence on any one country, supplier, or regulatory environment. It’s not about over-engineering—it’s about designing with options.

The message is clear: adaptability isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a survival strategy. In a world of shifting alliances and unpredictable regulations, IoT teams that build flexibility into their design process are the ones that will stay standing.

SG Wireless positions itself as a strong partner in this landscape. With manufacturing facilities in China, Malaysia, Mexico, and the UK, the company can pivot production in response to geopolitical or regulatory disruptions.

Watch the latest conversation between Xavier Dupont and Olivier Bloch at IoT Stars: