The problem of electronics obsolescence is uniquely potent when it comes to Defense programs. Modern Defense electronic systems tend to be rife with obsolete components or components at risk for being discontinued–some of which are mission-critical for the larger system. So not only is electronic obsolescence more prevalent, it also tends to have a much bigger impact in Defense applications. 

Most programs that we’ve encountered here at GDCA don’t have any sort of obsolescence risk management strategy to effectively handle these issues, leaving them grasping for any sort of solution–and even if they do have some sort of strategy, those strategies rarely provide a solution. As a result, these programs struggle to find a reliable solution that will actually last as long as they need it to.

The Factor of Time

Any mission-critical electronic system has to go through a lengthy process for certification, budget, and testing before it can be deployed. This important and routine process can take up to five years, by which point several of the components of the system are discontinued. Some of these components are not critical to the functionality of the system and could easily be upgraded or replaced–but others are not so simple. By the time the system is deployed, most of its critical components will have reached market maturity, and some will have been discontinued–even though the Department of Defense (DoD) just deployed it. If the DoD needs this system for two or more decades, opportunities to source repairs, maintenance, and other forms of support for those systems quickly dwindles. 

Managing Electronic Component Obsolescence With Legacy Sustainment

As a legacy equipment manufacturer (LEM) GDCA does more than just supply repair parts. We create full strategies that span the lifecycle of the system–a way to not only manage components that are already discontinued, but also ones close to the end of their market life. Working together with members of the program, we determine what components are critical and are either at risk or have already been discontinued, how long the client will need support for the system, and how many repair parts they’ll likely need. 

Obsolescence can’t be solved or managed with a ‘one size fits all’ solution, especially in Defense systems. Each program requires a unique and customized strategy that takes into account the nuance of each particular obsolescence problem. It requires a strategy that looks ahead and plans for anything, a strategy where failure isn’t an option and Defense systems are always mission-ready.