RS Components and DesignSpark launch a new tool that can help OEMs and product developers to manage the problem of obsolescence, and plan for when the End-of-Life (EOL) notices are placed on parts that will soon cease to be produced, repaired and supported by component vendors. Find out more here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/obsolescence-manager

1. Managing
Obsolescence

2. 2
Innovation for Every Engineer
DesignSpark
RS Components supports customers through every step of their products lifecycle
from design, build and maintain
DesignSpark from RS is a community for engineers providing access to free tools,
resources and expertise.
With a focus on Design we strive to:
• Provide convenience and practical solutions
• Save time and money
• Inspire and educate
Designspark.com

3. 3
Challenge of Obsolescence
Managing Obsolescence
BILL OF MATERIALS Average business has anything
from a 10’s to 1000’s of active
Projects
Each Project has the potential
to hold 1000’s of components
from 100’s of suppliers
Every single component will
be at a different stage of its
lifecycle
It takes just 1 obsolete component to render an end product defunct
“Obsolescence costs industry £€$millions in re-designed and re-
engineered products, delays and extra inventory.

4. 4
Product Sustainability - Importance of the Engineer
Managing Obsolescence
Engineers role is changing with more and more involvement in the buying process
Design for manufacturing sustainability is more important than ever, obsolescence
management starts with design
Faster time-to-market through Greater
Design efficiency
Reduced manufacturing costs
Reduced product cost and greater
profitability
Better use of time and resources

5. 5
What is RS Obsolescence Manager?
RS Obsolescence Manager
1. Build your
parts list
2. Manage your
lifecycle risk
3. Select your
alternatives
Developed by Engineers for Engineers
RS Obsolescence Manager is a free engineering resource specifically built
to proactively manage component obsolescence risk across the RS range,
providing alternative solutions to problem components.
In association with:

6. 6
1. Build Your Parts List
RS Obsolescence Manager
Research products with access to millions
of technical resources
Access lifecycle status across 400K RS
products
Build a parts list or BOM from chosen
components

7. 7
2. Manage your lifecycle risk
RS Obsolescence Manager
Proactively monitor lifecycle of your parts
list
Use prediction technology to anticipate
end-of-life issues
Review lifecycle updates regularly for
changes
YTEOL

8. 8
Direct
Replacement
3. Select Your Alternatives
RS Obsolescence Manager
Over 70million alternative component solutions
Review and select alternatives to problem components
Alternatives suitably categorised to support finding the right solution
Form, Fit and
Function
Functional
Equivalent
Similar Product
Problem
Component
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 4
Alternative 3
Alternative 5
Alternative 6

9. 9
Where Does it Fit
RS Obsolescence Manager
Innovation for Every Engineer
High-service distributor for
engineers. With the broadest
product range and the highest stock
availability, we offer fast, easy
ordering, same-day despatch and
free technical help.
Obsolescence Manager
Need
Research
Proposal
Design
Prototype
Order
Build
Maintain

10. 10
Our Customers Decide
A Look Into The Future
6 Months
• Expanded product coverage
• Multiple part search
• One click parts list purchase
• Share parts list with colleagues
• Shaped by our engineering
community
12 Months

11. 11
Where is the Future Fit
A Look Into The Future
Innovation for Every Engineer
High-service distributor for
engineers. With the broadest
product range and the highest stock
availability, we offer fast, easy
ordering, same-day despatch and
free technical help.
Obsolescence Manager
Need
Research
Proposal
Design
Prototype
Order
Build
Maintain

12. 12
Value
Managing Obsolescence
System Benefits Summary
• Quickly summarise Parts List risk
• Proactively mitigate risk of
obsolescence
• Anticipate component end-of-life
issues
• Find solutions to trouble parts
Enables
• Faster time-to-market through Greater
Design efficiency
• Reduced manufacturing costs
• Reduced product cost and greater
profitability
• Better use of time and resources
Designspark.com/Obsolescence-Manager