Managing obsolescence: a key to sustainability

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, managing the lifecycle of electronic systems, particularly in regulated sectors like rail and medical, is becoming increasingly critical. Eletech, the R&D arm of the Elemaster Group and a leading player in Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), has developed a comprehensive approach to help clients maintain the competitiveness of their products through obsolescence management, sustainability, and value engineering.

Sustainability and lifecycle management

A primary concern in the railway and medical industries is ensuring the sustainability of electronic systems over time. Eletech’s obsolescence management service supports clients by maintaining the design and production aspects of their products, ensuring long-term market relevance. By focusing on the management of critical electronic component obsolescence and aligning systems with the latest eco-design regulations, Eletech not only updates and extends the life of existing products but also ensures compliance with modern environmental standards.

Value engineering in cost-effective redesign

A significant element of Eletech's value proposition lies in its value engineering approach. Many of the electronic systems Eletech works on stem from older projects that require substantial updates to remain competitive. This process focuses on cost reduction by optimising design and material selection while ensuring high performance. Collaborating with clients through a co-design process allows Eletech to identify savings opportunities, especially for legacy systems where components may be obsolete or no longer compliant.

Phases of obsolescence management

Eletech's obsolescence management process comprises two main phases:

1. Initial Assessment Phase: this phase begins with a thorough analysis of the supply chain to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the current system design. Risks are classified based on their impact, helping to outline future challenges and prepare mitigation strategies.

2. Detailed Impact Assessment Phase: this phase delves into the identified risks, categorising them based on their severity and recommending appropriate measures. Solutions may range from minor adjustments, such as sourcing alternative components, to comprehensive redesigns of both hardware and software.

Real-World applications

Eletech has successfully implemented its obsolescence management strategies in various sectors. For instance, a recent project involved upgrading a medical device for plasma treatment, which faced significant obsolescence issues due to aging components. Eletech re-engineered key parts of the system to ensure compliance with modern medical standards while reducing costs. Another project involved redesigning a modular train control system, ensuring reliability and modularity for future updates without service disruption.

A strategic partner for sustainable innovation

Eletech, in collaboration with Elemaster, is at the forefront of obsolescence management and value engineering in the rail and medical electronics sectors. By offering a structured lifecycle management approach rooted in sustainability and cost reduction, Eletech helps key industry players navigate challenges to keep their products competitive in today’s demanding market.

Source: https://www.elemaster.com/it/managing-obsolescence-a-key-to-sustainability/