Critical spare parts should be procured in advance, maintaining a stock level of 20% to 30% of expected requirements.These should be adequately stocked in the stores for ready availability. Regular monitoring and review of components used in supplied products should be conducted to identify any obsolete parts. For components/parts identified as obsolete or at risk of obsolescence, alternate sources of supply or equivalent part numbers should be identified promptly to avoid disruptions in production or supply.

1. Confirm and understand with the supplier the reason for discontinuation of parts. Also evaluate the part and the potential impact on operations, maintenance, and customer service. 2. Inform relevant teams, customers, and management about the discontinuation. Try alternative suppliers that can provide similar or equivalent parts to be used temporarily or permanently. 3. Implement steps to conserve the existing stock of the discontinued part by restricting usage. Collaborate with internal or external partners to design or develop a replacement part that meets the required specifications. 4. Revise documentation, procedures, and training materials to reflect the changes and ensure a smooth transition.

Try understand the reason why supplier doing so. Negotiate with supplier for solutions; leverage relationship with supplier. In parallel do the assessment if any other qualified existing supplier can supply this part. Check open market for gap bridging possible.

If a critical spare part is discontinued: 1. Assess Impact: Confirm and evaluate its importance. 2. Check Inventory: Review stock and find alternatives. 3. Contact Supplier: Negotiate for stock or design access. 4. Source Elsewhere: Find other suppliers or manufacturers. 5. Mitigate Risks: Explore in-house production and plan for the future. This minimizes disruption and ensures preparedness.

Depending on the part, I start hoarding as many as I can, new, used, and broken. Critical parts need contingencies, so there shouldn’t be only one solution. Look for alternatives that may or may not take modifications to work, check with manufacturer/component supplier for new old stock/components, and simultaneously Identify the ability to repair or refurbish, with either new components, or, worst case, pooling nonfunctional parts and taking components to put working ones together. I ran into this problem with APUs for monorail trains. We pulled 2 from one train, swapped with the bad APU and immediately began refurbishing the bad one in house, and continuously rotated, this way we always had 2 used but working APUs

When a critical spare part is suddenly discontinued, it's crucial to act swiftly to prevent operational disruptions. Here's how you can navigate this challenge: 1. Identify alternative suppliers: Research and contact other vendors who may have the part or a compatible substitute. 2. Assess inventory and stockpile: Check your current inventory and consider stockpiling essential parts to safeguard against future shortages. 3. Consult with engineers: Work with your engineering team to find or design a replacement part that meets your technical requirements.

Depends on the Part in which aspects it is categorized either electric or Mechanical. Normally with the advancement of technology which is going to add new beneficial features for the same part by obsoleting existing parts is always intimated by supplier as proactive approach to convince customers for up gradation. The best fit solution to unfold complexity to get same part with upgrade version’s from same supplier, Instead of obtaining same parts from other suppliers .

My next move would be: 1. Verify the discontinuation with the supplier. 2. Assess the impact on our operations and customers. 3. Explore alternative sources, including other suppliers, distributors, or manufacturers. 4. Check for remaining stock or last-time buy options. 5. Develop a contingency plan to minimize disruptions. 6. Collaborate with the supplier to identify potential replacement parts or solutions. 7. Design or source a replacement part, if necessary. 8. Implement a new procurement process and update documentation and training. My priority would be to ensure minimal disruption to our operations and customers while finding a suitable replacement for the discontinued part.

This is not something to be addressed by Field Service Engineer. I believe parts have their lifecycles and customers/companys should be duly informed of discontinuation. It’s R&D and procurement department who are responsible to search and validate alternative parts before the parts end of life. Field Service Engineer can’t search or recommend alternative parts because of the concern of compatibility and safety issues.

In gunsmithing it usually means sourcing a used one ! In a manufacturing environment you have to reach out to another job shop immediately. What ever happened to the old school rule of 3 months supply on hand at all times!! Hopefully with more parts being on- shored . This on time delivery will be smoother.