Cover story
Obsolescence: Does it really mean End-Of-Life ?
An insight into obsolescence management by technical expert Ken Greenwood, Technical Sales Manager, Rochester Electronics
E
lectronic Component life-cycles - the time between market introduction and formal end-of-life – are shortening.
A large part of the world’s semiconductor demand is driven by consumer electronics, and this market typically has shorter and shorter product lives. European manufacturers in the Automotive, Industrial, Medical, Transport, Aerospace, & Military markets have product lives which now far exceed those of the components which go to make them.
When long-term product availability is vital, companies need to ensure a reliable source of components, even after the component is made obsolete. This means companies need to plan and manage obsolescence strategically. Failing to do so could lead to: • Line-stops • Unnecessarily large financial commitments tied up in Last- Time-Buy stocks
• Long-term storage costs • Forced Product re-designs • Premature Product End-of-Life (EOL) and reduced service lives. All increase risk and cost for a business.
Here are the Top Tips to minimize the cost of Obsolescence.
Obsolescence management starts at the design phase
Poor component selection in development can lead to premature product re-design and re- qualification. This is particularly relevant for customers with long development and qualification cycles. Lowest cost may not be best choice for long-term supply.
Few questions you should ask your supplier: 1. What are the OCM commitments to long-term availability?
2. Can the Supplier demonstrate a controlled transition process through the End-of-Life and into long-term AUTHORISED supply – or even long-term production?
3. Are the heart-beat components of your design; the software packed Microcontrollers, FPGA’s, or ASICs comprehensively documented?
4. Can the true design files (VHDL, Spice-Models, Test-Vectors) be retained and archived at the design phase to offer a chance of re-build if the unexpected happens?
06 December/January 2021
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
Understand the Total cost of Obsolescence
Does your company understand and model the cost and risks associated with obsolescence? Component obsolescence is not just a purchasing problem to be addressed as an after-thought. Does the Project Plan need to include anticipated product re-designs during its life? How are the costs of component storage accounted for? How will obsolescence impact on after- sales service commitments?
Plan for Obsolescence and resource the management of it If your equipment has a long qualification, production, or in-service life you WILL face component obsolescence. Preventative planning by Purchasing, Component Engineering, Design, and Programme Management can reduce or eliminate the cost and risk.
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