Configurable Obsolescence Mitigation Methodologies

The methodologies used to mitigate obsolescence have changed very little since they were initially proposed in the early obsolescence management documents and specifications. However, recently there has been a noticeable shift in the techniques which need to be used. This is partly due to the economic climate under which we are operating today. But other factors such as the stability in the defense threat are also coming into effect. The through life plans no long assume that mid-life upgrades and technology insertions are part of the process. Also, as the consumer market continues to reduce its product life spans, the high reliability market is definitely moving the other way. Whether this is actually a new policy or just a reflection of what has been happening for some time now with repeated life extensions remains to be debated.The result of these changes in through life policies on the obsolescence community has been quite profound. The emphasis has most definitely moved away from providing a low cost solution to “bridge” the time-span until the next planned upgrade or technology insertion. The solution itself today now needs to be well protected with regard to obsolescence, not necessarily with components which will last forever but by using design techniques which recognise the inevitability of obsolescence.Of course the cost of the solution is an important factor, however this should now be a through life cost. The principles of software protection, reductions in regression testing and re-qualification remain a corner stone in providing a cost effective solution. However, today more emphasis must be given to the type of solution that is chosen, if escalating expenditure is not to be occurred in the future to recover the situation again and again.This paper will examine how Configurable Obsolescence Mitigation Methodologies can be used to provide not only a cost effective solution, but one which meets the new product life philosophies. Using practical examples to illustrate methodology, it will show how these techniques can be integrated into both obsolescence and through life management plans, not just during obsolescence mitigation but at the initial design phase. It will show that the techniques are a legitimate substitution to technology insertion and planned up-grades when pro-active obsolescence management plans are produced.