Design concepts should consider component EOLA timelines to avoid last-minute scrambles, costly redesigns, and production delays.
Although inconvenient, end-of-life announcements (EOLAs) are typically a sign of progress. While it may seem like innovations are spontaneously announced, most technological advances follow a logical, scientific progression — which means EOLAs are largely predictable for companies with their ear to the ground.
When an EOLA is issued, a tempting reaction is to stockpile essential parts. But the problem with this strategy isn’t just that reserves will inevitably run dry, there’s also no real guarantee of securing obsolete components if competitors have the same idea to stock up. Demand surges lead to supply shortages, and over 80% of end-user companies aren’t equipped to handle chip shortages.
A less risky way to sidestep potential supply constraints is to have backup resources, both in terms of suppliers and alternate parts. However, if technology is being upgraded by one supplier, it’s only a matter of time before qualifying alternate sources are obsolete too. The best approach is to determine how to remain flexible when even your most critical components become obsolete — or, to take a more pragmatic perspective, as your components and your entire system advance together.
Plan For Obsolescence With These 3 Steps
1. Perform a holistic evaluation of the product’s entire ecosystem to identify its most critical hardware and software — particularly components that rely on external sources and would cause significant disruption if issued an EOLA. Make those the priority.
2. Determine if anything urgent is on the horizon by staying up to date with component lifecycles. Many manufacturers publicize product lifecycles with ample time for customers to pivot.
3. Shift from a reactive to a proactive business strategy. Waiting for EOLAs without a contingency plan forces businesses into a reacting state, continuously playing catch-up, putting out last-minute production fires, facing costly mistakes and setbacks, and missing lucrative opportunities. Planning for EOLAs from the start takes foresight and strategizing — but can prevent a complete redesign from scratch.
EOLA notices don’t have to be panic-inducing. You can overcome obsolescence challenges by identifying critical components, implementing flexible design features, and determining which components are likely to become EOL in the future.
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