DigiKey and the Future of Industrial Automation

In this episode of Electronic Specifier Insights, Paige Hookway speaks with Hermann Reiter, Senior Director of Supplier Business Development at DigiKey, about the company’s growing focus on industrial automation, safety, and control.

Reiter explains how DigiKey evolved from a component distributor into a global automation partner, now offering 16.5 million SKUs and shipping to nearly one million customers each year. He highlights the rise of e-commerce in automation, driven by customer expectations for availability, transparency, and trust.

The conversation explores DigiKey’s partnerships with major automation manufacturers, the convergence of electronics and automation, and the role of AI, connectivity, and digital twins in reshaping modern factories.

Looking ahead, Reiter sees DigiKey becoming an indispensable automation supplier, offering fast delivery, a frictionless digital experience, and the broadest immediately available product portfolio for engineers worldwide.