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How do you distinguish between a genuine obsolete PLC part and one that's just temporarily unavailable due to supply chain issues, and what's your contingency plan for each scenario?

TrinityCole

TrinityCole

2025-12-12

answer

Great question! I've been dealing with this exact challenge in my own automation work, and here's how I approach it:

For genuine obsolescence, I look for official manufacturer announcements - those end-of-life (EOL) or end-of-service (EOS) notices that companies like Rockwell Automation or Siemens put out. When they stop supporting products like Allen-Bradley SLC 500 or Siemens S7-300 PLCs, that's a clear sign it's permanent. Product lifecycle status updates from the manufacturer are also key indicators.

For temporary supply chain issues, the signs are different - you might see extended lead times (like 16+ weeks), but the manufacturer still lists the part as active. There's usually no official discontinuation notice, just availability problems.

My contingency plans differ for each scenario:

For genuine obsolescence: I start sourcing from specialized suppliers who stock legacy parts, consider upgrading to newer systems (like moving from S7-300 to S7-1500), or look at compatible third-party replacements. I also build up strategic inventory of critical obsolete parts before they disappear completely.

For temporary shortages: I work with multiple distributors, explore alternative suppliers, and sometimes accept longer lead times while implementing temporary workarounds. I also increase safety stock for critical components and track supply chain updates closely.

The key is staying proactive - tracking manufacturer announcements and maintaining good relationships with suppliers who specialize in hard-to-find automation parts!

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