Articles tagged Parts obsolescence management

Even products with relatively quick design cycles and short stays in the market deal with part obsolescence.

Long design periods along with long durations in service or in production simply increases the chance that one or more parts will become obsolete.

Designing systems with part obsolescence in mind helps. Working with suppliers to select parts with many sources, with long-term plans to produce, and with long term commitments, all may help. Even then, companies change priorities, go out of business, or simply discontinue the part you need. [Read more…]

One aspect of creating a new product or system is the sourcing of parts, components, and materials.

Gone are the days of your organization providing every element of the final product. Henry Ford’s supply chain for early Ford automobiles includes their own forests, rubber plantations, and iron ore mines. [Gelderman, 1981]

We increasingly rely on the supply chain to create the necessary parts for the design’s functionality. Then to continue to supply those same parts for decades, in some cases. [Read more…]