What is BS EN 62635:2016?

BS EN 62635:2016 is a professional technical standard that focuses on the management of obsolescence within the electronics industry. This standard provides guidelines and best practices for organizations to effectively address obsolescence issues in their products or systems.

The Importance of Obsolescence Management

Obsolescence management plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and longevity of products and systems. With rapid advancements in technology, components and technologies can quickly become obsolete, leading to various challenges for organizations.

By implementing effective obsolescence management strategies, organizations can mitigate risks such as supply chain disruption, increased costs, and compromised performance. It enables them to proactively address obsolescence issues and make informed decisions regarding product design, procurement, and support.

Key Guidelines and Requirements of BS EN 62635:2016

BS EN 62635:2016 outlines several important guidelines and requirements for obsolescence management. These include:

Obsolescence forecasting and planning: Organizations are encouraged to anticipate and plan for obsolescence at the early stages of product development. This includes considering potential component lifecycle limitations and identifying suitable alternatives.

Supplier relationships: Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers is crucial for acquiring timely information about component obsolescence. Collaborative partnerships can enable organizations to obtain advance notification about discontinuations and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.

Product lifecycle management: The standard emphasizes the importance of integrating obsolescence management into the overall product lifecycle management process. This ensures that obsolescence risks are continually monitored and addressed throughout the product's lifespan.

Documentation and traceability: Comprehensive documentation and traceability of components, their lifecycle statuses, and obsolescence-related decisions are essential for effective obsolescence management. This enables organizations to track and manage obsolescence issues systematically.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 62635:2016

Adhering to BS EN 62635:2016 can bring several benefits to organizations, including:

Increased product availability: By addressing obsolescence risks proactively, organizations can ensure the continuous availability of their products or systems. This enhances customer satisfaction and avoids potential disruptions in operations.

Cost reduction: Effective obsolescence management helps organizations identify cost-efficient alternatives for obsolete components, minimizing procurement costs and reducing overall project expenses.

Risk mitigation: Managing obsolescence allows organizations to mitigate risks associated with component scarcity, quality issues, or compatibility problems. It helps them maintain product performance, reliability, and safety.

Competitive advantage: Organizations that incorporate effective obsolescence management strategies gain a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to long-term customer support and reliable product availability.

In conclusion, BS EN 62635:2016 is a vital standard for managing obsolescence within the electronics industry. By following its guidelines and requirements, organizations can effectively address obsolescence risks, ensure product availability, and achieve long-term success in an ever-changing technological landscape.