Obsolescence Management

With developments in the electronics markets taking place in a rapid rate, components come and go quickly.

The Challenge

Component obsolescence is a major issue for companies that design and manufacture electronic equipment. This challenge is facing all companies which participate in the electronics manufacturing value.

Obsolescence drivers can be various: launch of new regulations, the evolution of existing laws, changes of reference designs, rationalization of product range, supplier failures, import-export obligations or restrictions, aging technology, new technologies, etc.

What We Do

VOXMICRO developed and adopted a sophisticated Obsolescence Management Plan in order to mitigate obsolescence risks for our customers.

Being a part of the electronics manufacturing value chain, we have created a holistic approach to ensure that obsolescence is managed as an integral part of our design, development, production and in-service support. We issue and circulate all necessary notices when obsolescence occurs by parts by which we are depend-in. We offer also to customers extended Post-EOL-arrangements including mitigation paths and supply-chain options.

VOXMICRO's Obsolescence Management Plan

A sophisticated Obsolescence Management Plan is constituted by five interacting mechanisms active through all stages of the life of each product.

Component Lifecycle Status Matrix

For all products, especially for all the enterprise and industrial-grade product lines, the constituent material component lifecycle matrix information is required and obtained from suppliers. This entails the obsolescence information at the collection time and at 1, 3, and 5 years later.

Risk Assessment

Matrix data allow us to classify all components to graded obsolescence risks by using two criteria: a) Impact of the component on the final product, b) Probability that the component becomes obsolete.

Mapping and Monitoring

Components risk assessment and analysis is a continuous process. For high-risk components, the corresponding documentation is updated every 6 months, while for medium risk components annually. Suppliers’ assessment and re-evaluation cycle is 12 months.