Obsolescence management from A to Z.

A company that, with the original manufacturer’s permission, takes over its remaining stock, wafers or manufacturing rights and continues to supply discontinued components – sometimes for many years after the discontinuation.

A replacement for a component that is no longer available, ideally with the same form, fit and function. Every alternative must be checked and approved before use.

SAE standard with requirements for distributors on avoiding, detecting and handling counterfeit electronic components. An important criterion when selecting brokers.

A distributor with a contract with the component manufacturer. The goods come directly from the manufacturer’s supply chain and are fully traceable.

A complete list of all components of an assembly or product. The bill of materials is the basis for any monitoring of obsolescence risks.

An independent distributor that sources electronic components on the open market, for example from the excess stock of manufacturers and EMS providers. Often the last source for discontinued parts, but with a higher counterfeit risk.

Relabelled, refurbished or copied components that are sold as original goods. They can often only be reliably detected through laboratory analysis.

Considering obsolescence during development: choosing components with a long expected availability, planning several sources of supply and designing products modularly so that components can easily be replaced later.

A manufacturer’s announcement that a component will no longer be produced. It is usually made via a PDN and states deadlines for the last order and the last delivery.

A term used mainly in the US defence sector for dwindling sources of supply and material shortages. It is used largely synonymously with obsolescence management.

Contract manufacturing of electronics by specialised service providers, often including material procurement and testing. E²MS additionally covers development services.

The life cycle phase in which a component has been discontinued and is only available to a limited extent or not at all.

Criterion for replacement components: the same form (package and dimensions), the same fit (connections and footprint) and the same function (electrical characteristics). An FFF-compatible replacement usually avoids a redesign.

The international standard for obsolescence management. It describes principles and processes for dealing with obsolescence and the content of an obsolescence management plan.

The last order with the manufacturer before the discontinuation deadline expires. The quantity should be based on a demand calculation up to the end of series production and service – including reserve, storage costs and storability.

The classification of a component in its product life cycle, for example active, not recommended for new designs (NRND), discontinued (EOL) or obsolete.

The component is still available, but the manufacturer advises against using it in new developments. An important early warning sign of a later discontinuation.

The transition of a component, material or software from “available” to “no longer available” while it is still needed in the product.

A systematic approach to securing the deliverability of products despite discontinued components: identifying risks early, assessing them, solving them economically and documenting them.

The central document that defines how a company or project deals with obsolescence: responsibilities, monitoring, assessment criteria, resolution strategies, communication and documentation.

A manufacturer’s notification of a change to a component, for example to material, production site, process or package. It must be checked to see whether form, fit or function are affected.

A manufacturer’s notification that a component is being discontinued – usually with a deadline for the last order.

Reworking an assembly or product so that it no longer needs the discontinued component. Often the most expensive, but also the most sustainable solution.

A second, qualified source of supply for a component, usually a compatible component from another manufacturer. It should be qualified before a crisis, not during one.

A discontinuation without a prior manufacturer notification. According to Z2Data, more than half of all discontinuations in 2025 came without a PCN.

A machine-readable format for change and discontinuation notifications according to VDMA 24903. Instead of PDFs by email, notifications can be automatically matched against your own components.

Guideline of the Association of German Engineers (VDI) on obsolescence management from the perspective of users and operators.