FUNCTIONAL OBSOLESCENCE SOFTWARE

Singularly, rapid obsolescence of data formats along with their supporting hardware and software can lead to loss of critical information, a process known as digital obsolescence. For example, central processing units (CPUs) frequently become obsolete in favor of newer, faster units. Many products in the computer industry become obsolete in this manner. On a smaller scale, a particular product may become obsolete when a newer version replaces it. Historical examples of new technologies superseding old ones include bronze replacing flint in hand-tools, DVDs replacing videocassettes, and the telephone replacing the telegraph. Technical obsolescence usually occurs when a new product or technology supersedes the old one, and it is preferred to use the new technology instead. It is highly important to implement and operate an active management of obsolescence to mitigate and avoid extreme costs. In addition, obsolescence has been shown to appear for software, specifications, standards, processes, and soft resources, such as human skills. However, obsolescence extends beyond electronic components to other items, such as materials, textiles, and mechanical parts. The problem of obsolescence is most prevalent for electronics technology, wherein the procurement lifetimes for microelectronic parts are often significantly shorter than the manufacturing and support life cycles for the products that use the parts. This issue is known as obsolescence, the status given to a part when it is no longer available from its original manufacturer.

A growing industry sector is facing issues where life cycles of products no longer fit together with life cycles of required components. The result is a dramatic change in production methods of all components and their market availability.

Typically, obsolescence is preceded by a gradual decline in popularity.ĭriven by rapid technological changes, new components are developed and launched on the market with increasing speed. Obsolete also refers to something that is already disused or discarded, or antiquated. Obsolescence frequently occurs because a replacement has become available that has, in sum, more advantages compared to the disadvantages incurred by maintaining or repairing the original. The international standard IEC 62402:2019 Obsolescence Management defines obsolescence as the 'transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification'. Obsolescence is the state of being which occurs when an object, service, or practice is no longer maintained or required even though it may still be in good working order.

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Functional obsolescence