Cover Story
Design for durability For extreme product durability, shift left
In an exclusive interview, Rochester Electronics’ Technical Sales Manager EMEA, Ken Greenwood and General Manager EMEA, Stephen Morris explains how early involvement in the product design process can have a dramatic impact on product
Design for durability Rochester Electronics general manager EMEA, Stephen Morris, started the discussion: “Engineers are increasingly tasked with considering not just the cost and performance of their designs, but also their long-term durability and environmental impact, with many industrial and aerospace systems expected to remain operational for 30 years or more. “However, forecasting component availability for such long
lifespans is extremely diffi cult. Manufacturers provide roadmaps, but market dynamics oſt en render these predictions unreliable. Components that are essential today may become obsolete in just a few years due to technological shiſt s or supply chain disruptions.” In many engineering environments, product stability,
T
he symbiosis of sustainability, durability and obsolescence management lies at the heart of responsible product design. Sustainable design seeks to minimise the environmental
impact of manufactured products by prioritising material and energy effi ciency, reducing waste and extending product life cycles. Durability complements this goal by ensuring products remain functional, maintainable and repairable over many years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, planned or inevitable obsolescence challenges this
balance by driving shorter product lifespans, oſt en for economic or technological reasons. A truly sustainable approach harmonises these elements by designing durable products that anticipate future upgrades, repairability and recyclability, thereby smoothing the obsolescence management process. Beyond economic and technological drivers, OEMs are subject
to a new generation of standards, regulations and compliance requirements. For example, in the EU, under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), large companies must report comprehensive sustainability data, including Scope 3 where Category 11 Use of Sold Products captures emissions generated when customers use a product. Moving beyond current and impending regulations, concepts
such as Scope 4 ‘avoided emissions’, place even more emphasis on the design process. T e idea of ‘shiſt ing leſt ’ involves moving engineering subjects
normally associated with a product’s maturity phase to the start of the design process where they can have a positive impact on a product’s durability. Obsolescence management is a classic example. No OEM can be expected to manage obsolescence single handedly,
the required skills, knowledge, insight and resources are too great. T is is where organisations like Rochester Electronics chime in. One of the key secrets to increasing a product’s durability is sharing resources such as the design concept, bill-of-materials, use cases and proposed design life with obsolescence partners as early in the design process as possible.
06 March 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
predictability and reliability take priority over short-term, incremental advances in technology. Stephen explained: “By collaborating with us early in the design
process, engineers can start mitigating lifecycle risks. We can guarantee the availability of legacy components, enabling designers to focus on creating durable, reliable products without over- reliance on cutting-edge technology. For instance, we’ve worked with customers to supply processors from the 1990s for use in modern systems, ensuring continuity without costly redesigns. T is approach supports sustainability by reducing waste and extending the usability of existing platforms. “Early collaboration between design teams and Rochester can
make a signifi cant diff erence in a product’s lifecycle. Most designs today build on existing platforms, but even with incremental changes, selecting the right components early is critical. Engineers typically decide on key parts, such as processors, FPGAs and DSPs, early in the design phase because these components form the backbone of their systems. However, these choices come with long-term implications. “By engaging with Rochester during the concept stage,
engineers gain access to our expertise and inventory. We can provide insights into component availability and lifecycle support, off ering alternatives that balance performance with long-term sustainability. For example, we’ve helped customers avoid unnecessary redesigns by supplying legacy components critical to their systems, ensuring that they can continue to operate without disruption. T is approach minimises risk, reduces costs and supports sustainability by extending the lifecycle of existing platforms.” Technical Sales Manager EMEA, Ken Greenwood, added:
“Sustainability begins at the conceptual stage, where component selection and sourcing play a pivotal role. Matching estimated system lifespans with appropriate components is critical. For example, choosing suppliers with long-term commitments or transition plans can mitigate risks associated with obsolescence.
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