For procurement teams managing legacy systems: What's your strategy for identifying 'zombie parts' - components that manufacturers have discontinued but haven't officially announced, and how do you build a resilient inventory without becoming a parts hoarder?

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Hey there! As someone dealing with legacy systems, I totally get the 'zombie parts' headache - those sneaky components that vanish without warning. Here's my practical approach:

First, for identifying those ghost parts, I rely on multiple early warning systems. I maintain strong relationships with distributors who often get unofficial heads-ups before formal announcements. I also monitor component lead times - sudden extensions can signal production issues. Regular supplier audits and attending industry events help catch whispers about upcoming discontinuations before they hit official channels.

For building resilient inventory without hoarding, I use a tiered approach. Critical components get strategic buffer stocks based on usage forecasts and lead times. For less critical parts, I implement 'just-in-time' ordering with trusted suppliers who maintain small emergency stocks. I also explore component emulation and form-fit-function replacements as long-term solutions.

The key is balancing risk with cost - maintaining enough inventory to avoid downtime without tying up capital in parts that might never be needed. Regular inventory reviews and having alternative sourcing options ready make all the difference!

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For procurement teams managing legacy systems: What's your strategy for identifying 'zombie parts' - components that manufacturers have discontinued but haven't officially announced, and how do you build a resilient inventory without becoming a parts hoarder?

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