Navigating the challenges of technological obsolescence in manufacturing
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS
BYTESNAP DESIGN
Navigating the challenges of technological obsolescence in manufacturing
Dunstan Power , ByteSnap Design
The recent ublox withdrawal from cellular bombshell clearly illustrates how obsolescence poses a significant challenge for manufacturers . Some businesses reportedly face re-development costs of hundreds of thousands of pounds .
A recent industry survey shows 90 % of manufacturers face obsolescence issues at least once a year , with 28 % experiencing these challenges more than once a quarter . This hampers product development , production efficiency and competitiveness , in a market where agility and innovation are key .
Overcoming Obsolescence Challenges
Manufacturers facing complex design and obsolescence challenges need solutions that address immediate problems , and future-proof product designs and operations .
UK-leading electronics engineering consultancy ByteSnap Design has been trusted by companies since 2008 to navigate such scenarios , by redesigning existing PCBs and replacing obsolete components .
ByteSnap ’ s expertise in embedded systems development and product redesign are highly valued by clients . For example , global bearings manufacturers SKF benefitted from collaborating with ByteSnap on a rugged shaft alignment tools redevelopment project .
ByteSnap ’ s expertise in embedded systems development and product redesign are highly valued by clients .
SKF were able to increase productivity and focus internal resources on major projects . Amongst other benefits :
• The newly upgraded products have been SKF ’ s most successful devices ever with high perceived quality and very low warranty rates
• ByteSnap ’ s strong technical ability , especially in legacy OS systems , ensured smooth project progression on time , within budget
• Access to ByteSnap ’ s user interface framework , SnapUI , led to easier and quicker GUI development
ByteSnap ’ s Redesign service is also a particularly effective match for addressing obsolescence challenges - avoiding costly upgrades or production halts :
“ We had a product we couldn ’ t produce anymore , but with just one meeting a week during development , ByteSnap have redesigned the device and successfully dealt with the technical issues . Very pleased – very little management from our side needed on this .”
– Smart City Infrastructure Manufacturer
Future-Proofing Strategies
Manufacturers should adopt best practice strategies to manage technological obsolescence , including :
1 . Regular system audits : Conduct regular audits to identify potential obsolescence risks early . This allows for timely planning and mitigation .
2 . Strategic partnerships : Collaborate with technology providers like ByteSnap to leverage their expertise in custom electronics design and IIoT solutions . Such partnerships can help manufacturers stay ahead of the competition by integrating the latest technologies seamlessly into their operations .
3 . Check longevity plans : particularly on microcontrollers where the pain is not just in redesigning the PCB but could also be in many months of software porting to a new platform .
By embracing these strategies , manufacturers can keep product development agile and responsive to technological advances , positioning themselves for long-term success in fast-moving markets .
For further information , please visit www . bytesnap . com
24 PECM Issue 73