Glossary · Maintenance and diagnostics
Obsolescence management
Also known as: Obsolescence planning
German: Obsoleszenzmanagement
In product lifecycle and maintenance management, obsolescence management is the coordinated set of activities to identify, assess and handle the discontinuation of components, software or technologies over the life of a system, so that it can still be operated, maintained and supported.
- Maintenance
In one sentence
Obsolescence management identifies and handles discontinued components, software and technologies so a system can still be operated and maintained.
Example
The supplier announces the end of production for a controller family; obsolescence management arranges a last-time buy of spares and plans a migration for the remaining installed machines.
How it applies
- Engineering: Component selection considers the expected availability period. Bills of materials are monitored for discontinuation notices, and designs keep alternatives in mind.
- Maintenance: Strategies include last-time buys, stock of Spare parts, repair services, qualified replacements and planned migrations.
- Software and security: Operating systems and firmware also become obsolete; once updates stop, Patch management is no longer possible, which affects OT security.
- Documentation: A replacement part or migrated controller can change wiring, parameters, software and safety functions. The documentation team must update manuals, spare parts lists and safety information under Change control, and check whether the change is a Substantial modification.
Obsolescence vs. end of lifespan
Lifespan is about an individual item wearing out. Obsolescence is about a product type no longer being available or supported, even if the installed items still work.