6 Steps to Overcome the Internal Challenges to Obsolescence Management
Success is a team sport, but so is failure. Often some of the biggest challenges to managing obsolescence start with the internal teams, processes, and systems used. The FOM Community looks at the practical solutions for overcoming some of the most common internal challenges to obsolescence management.
Step 1: Define Obsolescence for Your Company
Each company must begin by outlining what obsolescence means for its unique operations and products. This could mean components that are no longer manufactured, have limited support from suppliers, or have no modern equivalents. By clearly defining obsolescence, a company can set the stage for a proactive management approach, assessing risks and impacts specific to its business model and product lines.
Step 2: Implement a Long-Range Support Plan
The core of successful obsolescence management lies in creating and adhering to a long-range support plan. This plan should encompass lifecycle analysis, forecasting, and mitigation strategies, ensuring that it is not dependent on any single individual but rather is embedded in the company’s standard operating procedures. By institutionalizing the support plan, companies can ensure continuity even when key personnel change.
Step 3: Moving Towards a Single System of Record
Having a single, centralized repository for all data related to components and their lifecycles is essential. This System of Record (SoR) ensures that all relevant information is accessible and up to date, streamlining the decision-making process when it comes to managing obsolescence. An SoR also facilitates better traceability, forecasting, and historical analysis.
Step 4: Have a Standardized Categorization Method
Utilizing a standardized categorization method for components can significantly aid in obsolescence management. By classifying components based on their function, criticality, and availability, companies can prioritize their monitoring and mitigation efforts. This helps in quickly identifying the components that pose the greatest risk and thus require immediate attention.
Step 5: Simplify and Clarify Communication
Obsolescence management involves various departments within a company, from engineering and procurement to production and quality assurance. Simplified and clear communication across all these domains is vital. Developing standardized documentation, processes, and protocols can facilitate this, ensuring that everyone speaks the same language and understands the urgency and impact of obsolescence issues.
Step 6: Establishing Cross-Functional Teams
Lastly, setting up cross-functional teams dedicated to obsolescence management can greatly enhance the ability to tackle these challenges effectively. Such teams should include members from engineering, procurement, production, and any other relevant departments. Working together, they can provide a holistic view of the implications of obsolescence and develop coordinated strategies to mitigate risks.
The internal challenges of obsolescence management are multifaceted, but with deliberate and strategic planning, you can navigate them successfully. While implementing these internal changes is no easy feat, it’s a worthwhile investment. As obsolescence continues to rise, it’s imperative to set your teams up for success.
Learn more about structuring your obsolescence team in our past FOM2023 live event presentations. Request your copy today.
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