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?

Question

Accepted Answer

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!

Artikeln har lagts till i varukorgen

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

Recent Q&A

Contact form

Land/Region

Språk