Obsolescence Management – When Components Are Discontinued

Obsolescence marks the gradual end of life for electronic components and assemblies. This presents significant challenges, especially for users of embedded systems in industrial environments. Ongoing systems are expected to operate reliably and without changes for many years. However, manufacturers must often react when once-common components suddenly become unavailable.

This is where emtrion comes in with a consistent and proactive approach. With its Re-Design Service, the embedded specialist supports customers in maintaining and securing their systems when existing devices are affected by component discontinuation.

Discontinued components often require more than just a simple replacement. They can lead to far-reaching changes, such as modifications to mechanical properties, different electrical characteristics, altered EMC behavior, or even necessary adjustments to the software. These modifications are complex and time-sensitive, as operational systems need to remain functional throughout the process.

As an embedded specialist, emtrion can take over this entire process: from selecting alternative components, prototyping, and redesigning assemblies to documenting changes and porting software. All of this is carried out in accordance with emtrion’s quality standards, which meet the demanding requirements of industrial applications.

The strategy begins as early as the design phase: emtrion evaluates the long-term availability of components as well as the possibilities of using alternative or second-source components. Another option is to develop a modular system in which complete functional units can later be replaced with minimal or no impact on the overall system.

At the same time, emtrion actively monitors the supply chains and life cycles of all components used to detect potential discontinuations early. Through close communication with manufacturers and the use of digital lifecycle monitoring tools, alternative solutions can be identified and tested in good time.

In summary, emtrion brings its extensive expertise into every stage of a product’s lifecycle, from hardware development and change management to software adaptation and maintenance. Customers benefit from short response times, reliable long-term availability, and consistent development quality “Made in Germany.” Even small series can be implemented cost-effectively and sustainably.

In this way, emtrion turns the threat of discontinued components into a real opportunity, keeping embedded systems fit for the future and competitive over the long term.

Feel free to contact us for technical consultation: https://www.emtrion.de/en/+49 (0)7244 626 94-0 / mail@emtrion.de