Obsolescence is the lack of availability of an item or raw material resulting from statutory and process changes, as well as new designs. Implementation of new technology causes older technology to become less supportable because of the diminished availability of parts and suppliers. Directly speaking, obsolescence can present itself in two ways; the item in question is no longer suitable for current demands or is no longer available from the original manufacturer.
The principal aim of Obsolescence Management is to avoid costly repercussions when obsolescence occurs. The impact of obsolescence can be minimised to a certain extent by careful planning.
MDS partners with its clients to help them develop an effective obsolescence management strategy. The essential elements of an ideal strategy include understanding the parts and other components in the project and identifying the current and future obsolescence risks. Proper planning can help reduce the obsolescence costs in the future, and also in the mitigation of risk when obsolescence occurs.
Our expertise in sourcing hard-to-find products and our reverse engineering capabilities help our clients in reducing downtime due to obsolescence and thus reduce costs.
