Navigating the global hardware and chip shortage

Download the Global Hardware and Chip Shortage Report

Hardware and Chip Shortage eBook

This advisory report explores what the ongoing global hardware and chip shortage really means for technology procurement teams in 2026. Written for IT, procurement and finance leaders, this report provides clear guidance on moving from constraint to confident delivery, even when supply conditions remain tight.

Strategic Guidance for Organisations Planning Technology Investments

The global semiconductor and hardware shortage continues to shape how organisations plan, procure and deliver technology. Demand driven by AI, cloud and data‑intensive workloads is outpacing manufacturing capacity, while production concentration increases exposure to disruption. The result is an environment defined by extended lead times, unpredictable pricing and reduced certainty.

This is not a short‑term spike or a vendor‑specific issue. These conditions are expected to persist throughout 2026 and require a different approach to technology planning, procurement and risk management.

This page brings together insight, guidance and practical resources to help organisations understand the current landscape and make informed decisions with confidence.

Key Market Signals

expected revenue from generative AI chips, absorbing a disproportionate share of global semiconductor production

projected increase in combined DRAM and SSD pricing by the end of 2026, with direct impact on infrastructure and device costs

forecast size of the global semiconductor market in 2026, reflecting continued demand rather than easing supply pressure

From Shortages to Strategy: How AI Is Reshaping IT Procurement

In this episode of Cisilion’s Beyond the Tech Podcast , Nathan Ashby, Gemma Staples and Will Telford explore why memory supply is under pressure, how AI is reshaping the market and what this means for organisations planning infrastructure and technology refreshes.

The discussion covers proactive planning, alternative architectures, circular economy options and managed services, with practical insight to help IT leaders navigate uncertainty and plan with confidence.

What Organisations Are Experiencing

Across sectors, similar challenges are emerging:

Lead times that shift after orders are placed, particularly for compute and core infrastructure
Shortened pricing validity windows that challenge traditional approval cycles
Price increases driven by memory and component constraints
Orders delayed, repriced or cancelled as vendors prioritise allocation
Ageing infrastructure extending beyond support lifecycles, increasing operational and security risk

These are procurement‑level challenges, not isolated IT issues. Decisions made earlier or later now have material implications for cost, delivery and programme outcomes.

Take a More Resilient Approach to Procurement and Planning

Success in constrained markets depends less on finding availability and more on managing risk intelligently.

Cisilion helps organisations adapt by combining supply‑aware planning, commercial insight and technical flexibility.

Our approach focuses on:

Earlier planning and commitment

Reduce exposure to price volatility and allocation risk.

Procurement and finance alignment

Allow decisions can move at market pace rather than historic cycles.

Approved alternatives in advance

Across configuration, vendor or delivery model.

Separation of order, delivery and deployment timelines

Protect programmes without forcing immediate rollout.

Reduced dependency on physical hardware

Through lifecycle extension, cloud services and hybrid design.

Your Next Steps

If you are reviewing hardware refresh plans, expansion programmes or upcoming procurements, an early conversation can help clarify your options and reduce exposure to risk.

We work with organisations to assess availability, pricing windows, financing options and delivery sequencing so decisions are grounded in current market reality rather than historic assumptions.

Speak to our technology and procurement specialists to understand your position, explore practical options and plan your next steps with confidence.

Confident Technology Procurement

Navigating the Global Hardware and Chip Shortage