7 Tips for Sourcing EOL & Hard-To-Find Electronic Components

7 months ago

Sourcing Electronic Components

The lifecycle of a component is dependent on demand and the manufacturer’s product offering. A manufacturer will keep a product in production if there is high demand, but they will also upgrade components when they offer newer features. The hard truth is every electronic component has a finite lifecycle and is destined to go obsolete eventually, and as technology advances, sourcing some of these components becomes increasingly challenging.

Lifecycle Stages of Electronic Components

In Production

The component is being actively, or mass produced.

NRND
Not Recommended for
New Designs

The component is in production, but production could end any time. And there are new versions or replacements available

Last Time Buy

The manufacturer is in or near their last production run, and no more runs are planned.

Obsolete / End-of-Life (EOL)

The component is no longer being produced or supported.

In Production

The component is being actively, or mass produced.

NRND Not Recommended for New Designs

The component is in production, but production could end any time. And there are new versions or replacements available

Last Time Buy

The manufacturer is in or near their last production run, and no more runs are planned.

Obsolete / End-of-Life (EOL)

The component is no longer being produced or supported.

So, what do you do when the parts you need are end-of-life (EOL) or are hard-to-find? You can mitigate risk by working with a strategic sourcing partner to help you find electronic parts on your behalf. Independent distributors, like Suntsu Electronics, can leverage their expertise and strategic relationships to source the components you need or find alternatives to keep your production lines running.

Sourcing electronic components for your products is a time-consuming process that comes with its own challenges. If you’re trying to source EOL or hard-to-find parts but aren’t sure where to start, we have some tips that can help you in the process.

Tips for Sourcing EOL or Hard-to-Find Parts

Know What You Need

Prior to beginning your search for the right distributor, get a clear understanding of your project’s main objectives. This will help you determine the specific parts and the specifications that meet life span expectations and regulatory requirements so you can narrow your search and avoid wasting time. You can even use your BOM (Bill of Materials) to serve as a guide.

Be Proactive

Create a forecast to predict the components you need and make informed decisions. Look at your sales history to see if there are any patterns for when certain products are in demand. This way, you can anticipate the components needed to make those products at similar times in the future. Then, you can place orders in advance, with enough time for your suppliers to source the components in the volume you need and have them ready on time.

Don’t Flood the Market with Quote Requests

When there is a large number of quote requests, the market hears about it and thinks the parts in question are in high demand. This only leads to bidding wars and can inflate the cost of the components you are looking for.

Vet Your Distribution Partner

Carefully analyze your distribution partner to see if they meet your expectations, including their sourcing capabilities and experience. Ask questions about how the products are evaluated for quality. An experienced distributor will have an extensive inspection and testing program to ensure the authenticity of all products. Once you find a trustworthy supplier, create a business relationship that will last and benefit the company’s bottom line.

Schedule Orders in Advance

When possible, schedule your orders as far in advance as possible. Any delay could hurt your costs, lead times, or even supply availability.

Verify Lead Times

Suppliers will offer a variety of things, including short lead times, to appeal to customers, but shipping and delivery dates vary so you must confirm these with any potential company you partner with. Avoid companies that give unrealistic lead times and always be sure to ask for details on production timelines, testing or certification, and shipping dates. Suppliers can’t make parts magically appear, but the best ones will work hard to minimize disruptions in the process.

Look for Alternatives!

Alternative parts are typically used when the original part is unavailable or discontinued. Trusted distributors will do their best to source the original parts requested but if a part is unavailable, they can identify alternative options that offer better functionality at a lower cost.

If you’re still not sure where to start or can’t find an independent distributor willing to go the extra mile,
reach out to us and our skilled global sourcing team will gladly answer any questions you may have.

If you’re still not sure where to start or can’t find an independent distributor willing to go the extra mile, reach out to us and our skilled global sourcing team will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Sourcing/Manufacturing