Obsolescence Management

Obsolescence management must be a "forethought" and not an "afterthought".

Overview

In today's production and operational environments there are ever increasing needs to achieve the best and longest possible performance from assets. That is, the longest useful life of an asset. But, the paradox is that equipment may become obsolete before it can be procured.

A critical and major problem occurs with long life cycle capital type equipment. As the equipment gets older it becomes more difficult to get suppliers, spares, trained staff, and relevant documentation. Equipment can quickly become uneconomical and unsupportable for technical or economic rather than functional reasons. Sometimes, this can happen within a year or so of purchase. This situation is unacceptable given the investment involved and cost of replacement.

In a through life context, these product and support issues become a major concern and are only resolved through a well thought out obsolescence management program. Such a program is the "critical underpinning roadmap" to getting the maximum remaining useful life out of an asset, and it is best to do it during project acquisition. This early involvement provides the knowledge to develop, map, navigate, update, and manage obsolescence programs throughout the total useful life of an asset.

Obsolescence Management Progam Scope

We can deliver this program as either the analytical work, or as a comprehensive training course. In either case the scope of work is as follows.

Through life obsolescence issues
Understanding the system in the obsolescence context
Selection of obsolescence model and processes
The Obsolescence Management Plan
Plan implementation issues
Measuring and reporting performance

For more information about this service, please contact me.