Forward-looking Approach to Product Lifecycle Engineering
In the realm of embedded electronics, a shift is underway, spearheaded by GDCA. The Manchester-based company, specialising in legacy manufacturing and sustainment engineering, is working tirelessly to change the industry's approach to obsolescence.
GDCA, under the leadership of CEO Ethan Plotkin, is focusing on long-term design support and sustainment. This new approach aims to change how embedded electronics obsolescence is handled, moving away from reactive solutions and towards a proactive, collaborative approach.
This approach is not just about managing obsolescence, but also about long-term legacy sustainment. It's about changing how the industry handles product lifecycles, ensuring that products are supported and sustained until they are no longer needed.
The key to this approach lies in mobilising collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the legacy product, from manufacturers to operators. By ensuring everyone has input on how to support and sustain the product, GDCA acts as a facilitator to connect Embedded OEMs, Application OEMs, and end-users. Together, they collectively determine product life expectancy and optimal sustainment strategies.
GDCA also challenges traditional myths about sustaining legacy designs. They move beyond the traditional misconception that the main challenge is simply finding obsolete components through brokers. Instead, they emphasise the importance of planning ahead and fostering coordinated product sustainment plans that consider the entire ecosystem and lifecycle of the legacy system.
In essence, GDCA’s approach to managing obsolescence and supply chain in legacy manufacturing combines proactive planning, stakeholder collaboration, and challenging traditional myths of sustainment to create sustainable product support frameworks.
This new approach is part of a broader partnership for proactive obsolescence management. By working together, GDCA and its partners aim to ensure the long-term sustainment of legacy applications, providing a solution to the challenges posed by obsolete electronics and unstable supply chains.
[1] GDCA Press Release, "GDCA Announces New Approach to Product Lifecycles", 2022. [2] GDCA Whitepaper, "Challenging Traditional Myths of Sustainment", 2022.
GDCA's novel approach to product lifecycles in legacy manufacturing extends to the finance sector, as the company seeks long-term partnerships to fund its sustainment initiatives. [2] The proactive approach in managing obsolescence, led by GDCA, aims to revolutionize the entire manufacturing industry, not just embedded electronics. [1]
