Reflections on Pandemic Lessons: Insights from ACSL Global CTO Chris Raabe

The pandemic exposed weaknesses in global manufacturing that many companies had never been forced to confront. While the immediate crisis has passed, the pressures facing drone manufacturers today, from component restrictions to supply chain uncertainty, demand many of the same responses. In this guest commentary, ACSL Global CTO Chris Raabe reflects on how the industry’s most difficult period reshaped engineering, sourcing, and product development, and why those lessons remain just as relevant in 2026. DRONELIFE does not make or accept payment for guest posts.

Six Years Later, The Lessons of the Pandemic Remain True

By ACSL Global CTO Chris Raabe

Six years ago, manufacturers faced a significant crisis. Factories slowed or shut down entirely, semiconductor shortages stalled the production of critical components, and shipping timelines extended from weeks to months. Teams that had never worked remotely were forced to adapt quickly to new ways of working.

At ACSL, we encountered the same challenges as other manufacturers. Reflecting on that period, it is clear that companies that navigated the pandemic-era product development hurdles emerged fundamentally changed—more disciplined, resilient, and better prepared for future challenges. The pressures of that time led to smarter engineering, stronger supply chains, and quicker decision-making. These lessons continue to influence how ACSL operates, and likely many other companies as well.

Exposing Weaknesses in Product Development and Supply Chains

Prior to 2020, manufacturing relied on predictable cycles and assumptions about supply chains that had rarely been tested. The pandemic disrupted these assumptions, revealing the fragility of trusted supply chains almost overnight. Teams had to rethink timelines, sourcing, and collaboration in real time.

ACSL, like other manufacturers, faced scarcity directly. At one point, the processor essential for our flight controllers became nearly impossible to source through standard channels, with official lead times extending to a year and a half. The only quicker option involved gray-market resellers charging significantly more.

Scarcity Forced Better Engineering and Built a Stronger Team

Chip shortages meant our engineers could not simply order replacement parts and wait. They had to redesign products around available components, prioritize modular systems, and simplify designs wherever possible. Each component decision gained strategic importance, fostering a focused approach among our product teams.

These constraints also accelerated our operational pace. Decision cycles shortened, cross-functional communication improved, and rapid prototyping became essential for transforming ideas into testable products. Remote collaboration necessitated clearer communication, documentation, and accountability, ultimately enabling us to operate more efficiently with fewer resources.

Resilient Supply Chains and Whole Lifecycle Platforms

A great product is ineffective if it cannot be built consistently and reliably. Like many manufacturers, we learned the risks of relying too heavily on a single supplier and worked to establish redundancy where possible. Building relationships with multiple suppliers and exploring alternative sourcing paths became essential.

Procurement became a central focus for ACSL, integrated into our product design from the outset. The challenges of supply chain management persist, with the drone industry currently facing pressures from component and product restrictions. However, there is a crucial difference between recognizing a risk and proactively planning for it, and we have aimed to be thoughtful in our approach.

At ACSL, we have developed our strategy around the entire product lifecycle, ensuring support for customers not only during production runs but for years afterward. With 13 years in business, we can point to our consistency in maintaining fleets, parts, and repairs long after a unit is shipped.

Why These Lessons Matter Today

Companies that adapted during the pandemic and established protocols for supply chain issues are now better positioned in today’s dynamic market. The lessons learned during that time remain relevant, as similar underlying issues continue to arise in new forms. What began as chip shortages due to factory closures has evolved into geo-restrictions on components—different causes, but the same disruptions.

Six years later, the pandemic continues to influence the industry, and the insights gained from that experience should inform the development of every new product.