There are various types of Proactive Approach to mitigate obsolescence. The selection of suitable approach must be based on the likely obsolescence. In our previous post we discussed about types of Obsolescence mitigation approach i.e Reactive and Proactive Approach in Detail. This post will move a step further and will discuss about Different Types of Proactive Approach in detail.
What is Proactive Approach
A proactive approach to mitigate obsolescence is an active approach by early identification of the obsolescence threat and mitigating the obsolescence or ensuring that procedures are in place for continued support of the product against the likely obsolescence.
As discussed in our previous post, The proactive approach shall be employed for the components that come in Very High or High risk zone in the Risk Assessment Process. During Proactive approach, a suitable resolution option should be selected to counter the likely obsolescence impact based on its severity.
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Types of Proactive Approach for Obsolescence Management
The following types of Proactive Approach may be used for countering/ reducing the probability of an obsolescence issue.
1. Design Considerations
The requirement for Design Refreshing in later stages of product should be applied from the very beginning of product development. The selection of components, resources and interfaces should be done considering the possibility of future obsolescence.
Open architecture and standardized part selection should be applied to the maximum extent possible to minimize the risk of obsolescence. Factors that may result in component obsolescence such as indications of product discontinuation, changes to technology and changes to regulations that may affect the market may also be taken into consideration.
2. Technology Transparency
Technology Transparency is a part of Design methodology. This type of Proactive Approach mainly concentrates on the uses of open standard interfaces. It is applicable to equipment that have modular design and has high utilization of COTS components. In such equipment, the modules and components can be replaced with alternates that has same form, fit and function provided it has standard interfaces.
Technology Transparency provides: –
- Hardware Independence
- Network Independence
Hardware Independence by Technology Transparency
Technology Transparency eases the feasibility of modular hardware replacements during future system upgradation.
Network Independence by Technology Transparency
Technology Transparency, with the support of open architecture, supports the Production agencies in further upgrading the product’s networking Technology whenever required. And that too without carrying out any major changes and substantial cost factors.
3. Obsolescence Monitoring
This type of Proactive Approach includes tracking the processes, materials and components used in the equipment design for likely Obsolescence and Risk Assessment. The following data should be monitored while undertaking this type of Proactive Approach: –
- Assessment of the impact of component obsolescence throughout the equipment in real time. This impact assessment should also include identification of all locations where components/ parts that are likely to be obsolete have been used.
- Predicted Availability of components/ parts (at least few years ahead).Monitoring this is very important as it will provide some valuable time to act.
- PDN and Last Time Buy Notifications allowing potential obsolescence issues to be solved inexpensively.
- Identification of Alternate Sources for components that are likely to be affected. This will avoid expensive redesigns and possible re-certification issues.
4. Planned Systems Upgrades
This type of Proactive Approach comprises pre-determining some junctures in the product’s life cycle at which partial/ complete design or parts of the system will be upgraded to keep with up to date.
The system’s upgradation plan should be formulized such that the effective life cycle costs can be minimized. This type of approach is very useful for the systems that consists major percentage of COTS which have low life compared to other component grades.
5. Risk Mitigation Buy
Risk Mitigation Buy is the procurement of components/ parts of system to suffice its supportability throughout its life cycle, or at least till the upcoming system upgradation juncture as per system’s upgradation plan for reducing the known obsolescence risk to a system.
Following are some types of Risk Mitigation Buys : –
- Life Time Buy
- Life of Type Buy
- Bridge Buy
Also Read: - What is Obsolescence - How it Happens, its Criticality and Types Approach for Mitigation of Obsolescence Risk - Proactive and Reactive Approach Obsolescence Risk Assessment - Process, Management and Mitigation Strategy
