At the 2025 EDS Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, Paige West, Managing Editor of Procurement Pro, speaks with Peter Schneid, VP of Marketing at Harwin to hear about the results of their latest survey.
The survey offers a deep dive into the North American connector market, revealing critical insights about technology adoption, engineering challenges, and industry trends.
The comprehensive study provides a scientific approach to understanding how engineers interact with connectors, from procurement to design. One of the most striking findings is the current state of AI tool adoption. Despite widespread technological enthusiasm, only 17% of engineers are currently using AI tools in their specification and design processes.
A significant revelation from the study is the evolving nature of engineering roles. Over 50% of respondents believe their jobs are becoming increasingly complex. Schneid noted that this complexity stems from engineers simultaneously managing multiple projects and navigating more intricate applications.
The research comes at a critical time for Harwin, a company experiencing robust growth. “We are in a very lucky position that we are outgrowing the market,” Schneid shared, highlighting the company’s resilience in a challenging global economic landscape. He expressed optimism about the market, suggesting that this year and the next could bring improved conditions.
Harwin is backing up its market insights with substantial investment. The company is constructing a new multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility in Portsmouth, UK, set to be completed by 2026. This expansion will double its high-reliability connector manufacturing capacity.
The research methodology is designed to be ongoing, with Harwin planning to conduct similar surveys regularly. This approach will allow the company to track changes in technology adoption, engineer preferences, and market dynamics over time.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, Harwin’s approach of combining rigorous research, strategic investment, and market responsiveness positions them as a forward-thinking leader in the connector industry.
The research serves as a valuable snapshot of current engineering and technological trends, offering insights not just for Harwin, but for the broader technology ecosystem navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Watch the full interview here:
