The Role of Supply Chains and Long-Term Availability in Critical Systems

The current state of the global electronic component market, and the state of the supply chain overall, have made it difficult for technology manufacturers to source even non-obsolete components. The acceleration of the rate at which components go end-of-life, along with trade disruptions – whether technological, economic, or natural – across the globe has increased the instability of the electronics supply chain.

For manufacturers of critical systems, this supply chain volatility is compounded by the long product lifecycles, and often more stringent environmental and use case specific requirements. There are several proactive actions and processes manufacturers can implement to mitigate the instability of the supply chain.

Obsolescence Analysis and Forecasting

Obsolescence analysis and forecasting is one such process that involves identifying and managing the risks associated with the lifecycle changes of components, products, or systems. Specifically, it involves the use of specialized software to monitor the status of components, forecast end-of-life dates, and implement strategies to reduce the impact of obsolescence, such as sourcing alternative components, proactively planning for redesigns, or managing inventory levels.

With a more informed and data-driven obsolescence forecast, manufacturers are better prepared to take steps to ensure supply chain resilience. Additionally, it enables companies to better manage relationships with suppliers, allowing the identification of alternative components and suppliers in advance, ensuring more resilience throughout the supply chain.

A more complete understanding of the supply chain allows manufacturers and designers to better allocate resources to focus on innovation and product development, rather than devoting resources and manpower to legacy component issues. All of this combines to create a smoother transition to newer technologies, minimizing disruption to ongoing projects and product lines.

Sealevel Expertise

Sealevel has found success in overcoming supply chain instability and achieving long-term availability through several processes. First, every new design utilizes components that are in the beginning of their life cycle and designed to be available for 7 or more years.

Further, as products move through their life cycle, a wide set of best practices are implemented to maintain sustainability. These processes include performing obsolescence analysis and forecasting to identify at-risk semiconductors, passives, and electromechanical components to gain a detailed look into the product lifecycle. When components are identified as an EOL risks, mitigating steps are taken, such as modifying the product to change the at-risk part while maintaining “form-fit-and function” compatibility with the previous design from a user perspective.

By housing engineering, product design, and product manufacturing in one location, at our headquarters in Liberty, South Carolina, Sealevel can consolidate the management of all aspects of the supply chain and product lifecycles through AS9100D certified processes, eliminating unnecessary risks and minimizing time and cost for program management.