Straight talk on obsolescence, EOL & sourcing
In-depth articles for purchasing, engineering and maintenance — so discontinuations, shortages and price pressure no longer take you by surprise.
Obsolescence Management: 6 Strategies Against Component Discontinuations
Discontinued components can halt production lines – if you are not prepared. This article explains the six strategies available in obsolescence management and when each one makes sense.
End-of-Life (EOL) for Electronic Components: What a Discontinuation Really Means
A manufacturer announces "End-of-Life" – but what does that mean in practice for your ongoing production? This article explains the phases of a component discontinuation and the actions you should take next.
PCN & PDN: How to Read Discontinuation Notices and Respond
PCNs and PDNs are the official language of component discontinuations – but their fields and deadlines are often misunderstood or reviewed too late. This article explains what to look for when reading them and what a structured response looks like.
Last Time Buy: How to Calculate the Right Stocking Quantity
A Last Time Buy is often your last chance to secure a discontinued component in sufficient quantities. Learn how to calculate the right quantity and avoid the most common mistakes.
Avoiding Redesign After Discontinuation: When Sourcing Is the Better Choice
A hardware redesign following component discontinuation costs time and money – often more than expected. Find out when targeted sourcing is the better alternative and how to make a structured decision.
Allocation & Supply Shortages: What to Do When Components Are Scarce
When components go on allocation, prices surge, lead times explode, and production comes under pressure. Discover which immediate measures help and how to use alternative sourcing channels safely.
Broker, Distributor, Manufacturer: A Comparison of Electronic Component Sources
Three sources, three logics: when does an authorized distributor make sense, when should you go directly to the manufacturer – and when is an independent broker the only realistic option?
Excess Inventory: Surplus Stock as a Sourcing Opportunity
Surplus stock from over-ordering, product phase-outs, or allocation aftereffects is an underrated source for scarce and discontinued components – if you know where to look and how to ensure quality.
Cross-Reference Lists: Why They Often Fall Short for Component Replacement
Cross-reference lists are a useful starting point, but not a reliable replacement-decision tool. Why the jump from a part number to technical validation is often bigger than expected.
How to Prepare a Component Sourcing Request: Information That Speeds Up Procurement
A complete request is the fastest route to a quote. Find out which details really matter – and which mistakes cause unnecessary delays in procurement.
Identifying and Avoiding Counterfeit Electronic Components
Counterfeit components cause failures, recalls, and liability risks. Learn where the risk is highest – and how purchasing and quality assurance can protect themselves effectively.
Finding Alternative Components: How to Evaluate Form, Fit & Function
An alternative is only a solution when Form, Fit, and Function all align. Find out which parameters are decisive – and why a cross-reference alone is never enough.
Reduce BOM Costs: 7 Levers for Electronics Procurement
From market-price benchmarking and qualified substitutes to leveraging excess inventory: these seven levers help you permanently reduce BOM costs in electronics procurement.
What Does a Production Stoppage Due to Missing Components Really Cost?
A production stoppage caused by missing components costs far more than the list price of the missing part. What cost categories arise, how to estimate them, and why rapid sourcing is almost always cheaper than waiting.
Resilient Electronics Supply Chain: Systematically Mitigating Risks
Single source, allocation, EOL discontinuations, geopolitical risks: which measures genuinely make your electronics supply chain more robust — and why proactive mitigation is superior to reactive crisis management.
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