Shorter technology lifecycles: Electronics and controls refresh faster than plant asset lifetimes; components go NRND/EOL mid‑life, forcing redesigns or expensive spot buys. lup.lub.lu.se
DMSMS dynamics: Diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages affect both electrical and mechanical spares, risking availability and readiness. Dau.edu
Supply‑base consolidation & notices: Manufacturer change notices (PCNs), last‑time‑buy windows, and supplier exits make “business as usual” risky if you don’t monitor continuously. Dau.edu
Bottom line: If you run long‑life assets (manufacturing, energy, rail, utilities), obsolescence isn’t an exception—it’s the environment.
Periodic “cleanups” yield a nicer snapshot, not a durable solution. New parts, supplier changes, and catalog imports re‑introduce risk immediately. Both IEC 62402 and DAU SD‑22 emphasize a through‑life, proactive approach—plan obsolescence management early and run it continuously to avoid costly surprises..
Ground your process in recognized frameworks:
Detect early
Track lifecycle status (Active/NRND/EOL), PCNs, last‑time‑buy windows. Set watchlists for critical SKUs. Dau.edu
Assess impact
Quantify schedule, cost, and readiness risks; consider design life, number of manufacturers, lead time. (Research shows these are key exposure drivers.) dsp.dla.mil
Mitigate smartly
Evaluate verified alternates, FFF substitutions, multi‑sourcing, LTB, or redesign triggers; in electronics/ECUs, risk‑sharing models are emerging. IJFMR
Monitor continuously
Treat obsolescence as a standing KPI, not a fire drill—this is the core SD‑22/IEC 62402 philosophy. Dau.edu+1
To prevent “line‑down” events, your teams need go/no‑go clarity inside their daily tools:
Canonical IDs: Manufacturer/OEM part numbers, approved alternates, cross‑refs. (Standards stress clear identification and traceability.) webstore.iec.ch
Lifecycle & notices: Live Active/NRND/EOL status, PCNs, and LTB windows surfaced at requisition time. Dau.edu
Lead times & options: Multi‑source visibility to avoid panic buys and premium freight. (Risk models factor manufacturer count and lead times.) dsp.dla.mil
Governance: Align process to IEC 62402 to keep it programmatic across design, operations, and sustainment. webstore.iec.ch
Not ready for a full overhaul? Start small and compound gains:
Triage inventory: Run lifecycle checks on your top‑used and long‑lead parts; flag NRND/EOL and open PCNs. Dau.edu
Build alternates: Maintain verified equivalents/FFF subs for critical SKUs; pre‑approve where possible. Dau.edu
Stand up a watchlist: Subscribe to manufacturer notices; create LTB triggers with clear owners and timelines. Dau.edu
Adopt a standard: Map your process to IEC 62402; run monthly obsolescence reviews with clear mitigations and closures. webstore.iec.ch
Embed in ERP/EAM: Surface lifecycle, alternates, and lead time before approvals to avoid late discovery. Dau.edu
Obsolescence is the price of progress—but it doesn’t have to mean downtime or redesign shocks. Heavy‑industry leaders treat it as a continuous program anchored in standards (IEC 62402) and proven practice (DAU SD‑22). Detect early, decide fast, and keep the signal where decisions are made—inside your ERP/EAM.
Want to dig deeper?
Explore the frameworks and communities shaping modern obsolescence practice in asset‑intensive sectors.
DAU SD‑22 (DMSMS Guidebook): Multidisciplinary, cost‑effective, through‑life management. Dau.edu
DAU DMSMS/Obsolescence portal: Definitions, training, and resources for ongoing programs. Dau.edu
IEC 62402:2019 (Obsolescence Management): Requirements and guidance across all phases of an item’s life cycle. webstore.iec.ch
Automotive ECU obsolescence (2025 paper): Lifecycle monitoring, multi‑sourcing, and risk‑sharing strategies. IJFMR
Visualization of obsolescence risk factors: How design life, lead time, and manufacturer count drive exposure. dsp.dla.mil
IIOM case study (IEC 62402 in supply chain): Simulation of standards‑based obsolescence management. theiiom.org
See lifecycle status and alternates before approvals.
Book a 20‑minute walkthrough of how Parts Intelligence operationalizes obsolescence management in ERP/EAM.
👉 Watch the demo or explore the Partium Blog Series to see how Parts Intelligence helps procurement teams cut costs, manage obsolescence, and stay ahead of every market shift.