In the world of engineering, managing, monitoring, and mitigating obsolescence is crucial. Ensuring critical items remain in service for many years requires a proactive approach that enables them to achieve fit, form, and functionality over the long term. While key components may need replacement from time to time, it’s possible to keep an item alive for years with the right strategy. One classic example of true obsolescence management in
action is Trigger’s Broom.
For those who remember the classic 1996 episode of Heroes and Villains on Only Fools and Horses, Trigger won an award for maintaining the same broom for over 20 years. The twist, however, was that he revealed that during that time, the broom had had 17 new heads and 14 new handles. Despite this, the principles behind Trigger’s ability to keep the broom functioning for such a long time are exactly what we associate with true obsolescence management.
As technology has continued to evolve and develop over the past 25 years, obsolescence management principles and techniques have also progressed significantly. With it being nearly 50 years since Trigger actually received his broom, the evolution of these practices is clear.
The key to managing obsolescence is to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate any potential challenges before they arise. This means that when a part becomes unavailable or unsupported, there are contingencies in place that allow for continued functionality and performance.
There are several strategies that engineers and maintenance teams use to manage obsolescence. Some of the most common methods include:
– Lifecycle analysis: assessing the product lifecycle to anticipate and plan for component obsolescence.
– Risk assessments: identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans.
– Alternate part identification: finding and testing new parts that are compatible with existing systems.
– Redesigns and upgrades: creating updated components or entire systems that work with existing technology.
At the end of the day, obsolescence management is about staying one step ahead and being proactive. Just as Trigger managed to keep his broom alive by replacing its components as necessary, engineering teams must also anticipate future needs and adapt to changes to keep critical systems in service for many years to come.