Global component obsolescence is an increasingly serious issue for all industries as development of new technologies continues apace. According to new independent research conducted independently by Metrica Research on behalf of electronic components distributor, Farnell, finding suitable replacements for obsolete components is highlighted as the factor most likely to cause critical problems for UK electronic design engineers.
According to its fndings, design engineers and manufacturers of electronic equipment in the UK waste millions of pounds and countless hours each year attempting to manage the consequences of component obsolescence.This issue is clearly identified by respondents with highlighting 'finding suitable replacements for obsolete components' and 'lack of availability of relevant components' as the major issues they face today. Almost one in four specifically said that finding replacements for obsolete components would be the 'most' critical problem they faced over the next two years, with the introduction of legislation and the specific cost of components as the least important issues generally.
Commenting on the results of the research, Gary Nevison, Head of Product and Supplier Development, Premier Farnell Europe and Asia, says: "Hundreds of new electronic components are introduced into the market every month with almost as many being discontinued. Companies have neither the time nor the resource to research and evaluate every device that will be used in a final product, as they strive to beat the competition to market. Indeed, the strong feelings of frustration that came out in our research regarding the problem of component obsolescence were fully expected.
"Design engineers need advance warning if a product is going to be made obsolete or no longer stocked. Farnell recognises both the aggravation and business implications from designing-in components only to find out, often too late, that between design and production a key component has become obsolete. Design engineers are then faced with the unenviable task of finding a suitable substitute, or going back to square one," he continued.
According to Matt Toogood, strategic marketing director at Premier Farnell, the group has addressed this problem with a new obsolescence notification service called Product Watch. The service works by proactively communicating to customers about products which will no longer be manufactured or stocked, or which are due to be upgraded. He said that this is done through a comprehensive warning system, which recommends the most appropriate substitutes.
Acquiring technical information is hugely important and, as the Metrica research makes clear, getting information on obsolescence and replacements (53%) is far and away the most difficult. Toogood adds that Farnell is continuing to provide improved comprehensive technical information and support and can offer customers assistance through the Product Watch service - which adds to the wide ranging technical support, data sheets, application guides and development tools.
For further details on the research report, 'A Survey of Design Engineers', contact Elli Giokezas, Portfolio Communications, elli.giokezas@portmet.co.uk
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