Obsolescence Management
MoD Obsolescence Management Service
One unwelcome aspect of rapid technological change is that the obsolescence of electronic, electro-mechanical, electrical and software components is an increasingly difficult problem to manage. Product designers frequently have to reconcile their new designs with an on-going need to maintain established product lines, whilst also meeting their long-term commitments to the maintainability of mature and legacy equipment. A reactive and un-planned approach to this  obsolescence problem is always an option, but this can lead to significantly increased costs arising from :
- Unplanned re-designs and approval changes
- Shortages of parts
- General customer service problems
- Increases in system variants
- Increased ranges of spares
- Excess stock holdings
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has extensive experience in facing the challenge of maintaining a myriad of equipment from a wide variety of suppliers. Indeed, at one stage, the defense market accounted for 97% of the world's semi-conductor output - unlike today when the majority go into laptop computers, mobile phones and computer games! No device can go into a military platform until it has been "accredited" by a component testing laboratory. Today, "Whole Life Cost Management" is an increasingly important aspect of the MoD's SMART Procurement ("Faster, Cheaper, Better" ) initiative - and planned obsolescence is a critical part of their approach to equipment management. This is based upon a number of systems which include :
- Component databases
- WINDOWS-based software tools
- Web-based component availability monitoring service
- Consultancy and Helpdesk
All of the above systems are backed up by consultancy or helpdesk support if required. These can lead to large cost savings.
The outcome of this integrated package of measures is that customers of the MoD's Obsolescence Management Service are given a bespoke system to manage obsolescence in a rigorous and systematic way. As a consequence, they can:
- Select the most appropriate technologies at product design and development stage.
- Determine component availability throughout the procurement, production and in-service phases of the product life cycle.
- Plan the most effective time-scales for in-service technology updates and upgrades.
- Manage the obsolescence of mature and legacy systems to optimize their in-service life
As part of the Government's process of Defense Diversification, the privatized part of the MoD's R&D base - i.e. QinetiQ Ltd - has recently launched the National Obsolescence Centre (NOC) which has been endorsed and part funded by the DTI. This Centre is geared to offering Obsolescence Management Services to non-Defence sector companies. For further information contact: Paul Adams
Tel: 029 2082 8729
e-mail: psadams@dda.gov.uk
web: www.dda.gov.uk 
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