Power
can switch to a new component before exhausting all old components on the market. The same precautionary measures should still be applied when purchasing obsolete components either in branch or online - always purchase from reliable, authorised channels. Many customers will be tempted to purchase obsolete components from the grey market however the risk of counterfeit and inferior products from unauthorised sources presents a significant risk to a product’s performance and a company’s reputation in years to come
■ Partner with reliable distributors
It is essential to partner with reliable distributors who will inform customers of component obsolescence and the purchasing options available. It’s crucial to use a reliable source to put together a purchasing plan. Even after a component has already been made obsolete, purchasers need to act quickly to limit supply chain disruption. Failing to act quickly could result in line stops, unnecessary financial penalties, long term
storage costs, forced product redesigns and premature product EOL
Advice for purchasers faced with limited design flexibility and component obsolescence Design flexibility should be a key consideration at the design phase, however that being said, it’s never too late to introduce a strategy and future-proof your supply chain. Poor component selection can lead to premature product redesign and a long re-qualification process. Ensuring design flexibility from the start of the project will enable a much smoother EOL transition if required.
The easiest way to manage component obsolescence is to partner with an experienced and knowledgeable distributor that will proactively help source hard- to-find components or offer a suitable alternative. It’s important that a distributor has access to a wide range of products and can offer multiple products from various manufacturers. This presents numerous benefits such as competitive pricing, business in more markets so a wider range of lead times do not affect the supply chain.
It’s easier for a purchaser to work with a distributor on design flexibility rather than to tackle it alone
It is crucial that purchasers work with a distributor that can support them on data analytics, risk mitigation and product lifecycle. Distributors can advise the best components to use for new designs and inform customers of the ones to avoid. As soon as a purchaser becomes aware that a component is being made obsolete, they should collaborate with their distributor to source an alternative supply, confirming availability and pricing at the earliest opportunity.
For purchasers that do not currently consider design flexibility as a buying consideration
Always think long-term, it’s easy to be tempted to buy components from a new, unreliable source because the lead time is by far the best around, or the price for a particular component is more competitive. However, in that situation I would question what other benefits you’ll
receive when buying from an authorised source, such as the level of aftersales and customer service, technical support and product warranties.
Managing obsolescence and reacting to a component's EOL is vital, if your company doesn’t have the resource to do this then use a distributor that can support you. Integrate design flexibility into your design phase and always plan for component obsolescence because manufacturers will look to improve their designs and offer more superior products. Remember to check the status of the component before you design it into your build, establish if it’s a new product or not for new designs and how long it’s been in circulation for. And lastly, monitor lifecycles and purchase from authorised sources, again if you cannot do this in-house then work with a supplier that can help you keep up to date with the product's status and availability.
GD Rectifiers is a leading independent distributor of power electronic components and holds an ISO9001:2015 accreditation.
+44 (0) 1403 790 661
WE CONNECT TECHNOLOGY
www.fclane.com
sales@fclane.com
MILITARY CIRCULAR
CONNECTORS COAXIAL
CONNECTORS
DATA CIRCULAR CONNECTORS
POWER CIRCULAR CONNECTORS
D-SUBMINIATURE RACK AND PANEL CONNECTORS
RF AND FIBRE OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLIES
BACKSHELLS, HEAT SHRINK BOOTS AND PROTECTIVE CAPS
EXTENSIVE STOCK ON-LINE SHOP
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics November 2022 35
EX-STOCK SUPPLY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62
