The topic of obsolescence is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s market. Components are reaching end-of-life (EOL) sooner as complex driving forces of obsolescence continue to accelerate its process. This is particularly true amongst high-reliability components. Here are a handful of contributors that have led to the rise of obsolescence:
- Technological Advances: Recent advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are significant factors to obsolescence. Manufacturers are rapidly developing better components to keep up with demand. Furthermore, manufacturing capacity is finite. Thus, manufacturers are persistently reallocating their efforts towards their best and most lucrative components, obsoleting others in the process.
- Prioritization of Electric Vehicle (EV)/Automotive Market: The EV/Automotive market is showing incredible promise. Semiconductor long-term growth in this market is forecasted to be far beyond others, with more than double the second-highest semiconductor market’s long-term growth. Due to this, manufacturers are adjusting their capacities to meet the EV/Automotive market’s demand. This has led manufacturers to rapidly transition their legacy products into EOL.
- The High-Reliability Replacement Dilemma: High-reliability components are most often used in industries such as Aerospace & Defense and Medical as these industries require equipment to be functional and operational in the field at all times. Designing and integrating these components into active designs is a very time consuming and costly process due to the necessary regulations, testing and approvals required. Because of this, companies often must use components beyond their typical lifecycle until a new design can be implemented.
Solving the Future of Obsolescence Management
The volatile nature of this industry makes obsolescence difficult to navigate as driving forces in the market are constantly changing. It is important to stay ahead of obsolescence by having proactive solutions in place to mitigate risks. By partnering with a connected distributor, like Converge, companies can source obsolete and end-of-life parts to bridge the gap.
Contact Converge to find out how our services can help you effectively manage your obsolescence needs.