We’ve come to accept the fact that consumer electronics like smartphones and tablets have to be replaced every few years, but this kind of planned obsolescence is not possible when it comes to increasingly in-demand medical devices. The often-limited lifecycle of electronic components has a significant impact on the manufacturing processes for medical devices and equipment, and increasingly, on healthcare as a whole.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the challenges end-of-life (EOL) components create for medical device manufacturers and practitioners, and what you can do to navigate these potentially bumpy paths.
The shorter life cycles of electronic components is a significant threat in the medical sector, where devices, equipment, and products often require lifespans exceeding ten years. Pain management devices, as an example, often rely on specific electronic components with lengthy development times. From inception to market launch, these devices can take up to six years to be finalized. As a result, these devices may often feature outdated electronic components upon market entry, compromising product availability and patient care. The shift to tablet-based devices with Bluetooth connectivity has further highlighted these lifespan considerations, and brought new challenges, such as increased power consumption and security issues.
The challenge is that substituting materials or components in medical devices requires an extensive trail of paperwork, testing, and regulatory approval, contributing to delays that impede timely access to life-saving equipment. EOL components also further contribute to a phenomenon known as “design drift”, which in this context, refers to medical devices undergoing incremental changes post-market entry. Orthopedic devices, for example, experience a median of 6.5 postmarket changes throughout their lifespan, with approximately 22% of these changes altering device design or components.
Medical device manufacturers and practitioners are therefore increasingly required to adopt proactive strategies when it comes to EOL components, enabling them to find a balance between innovation, regulatory compliance, and patient welfare.
Navigating the challenges associated with EOL medical electronic components demands a strategic approach. Here are some strategies you can adopt to recognize EOL components and mitigate associated risks.
When it comes to battling component obsolescence, you need a proactive approach. First, you need to ask questions about the life cycle stage of components early on in the process, and then plan accordingly to avoid disruptions. By staying ahead of potential EOL notifications, you can preemptively identify alternative solutions and implement contingency plans.
As part of this, you should also be assessing the relevance of each component to product functionality and regulatory compliance. Evaluating components and devices on a regular basis can help you identify and address components susceptible to obsolescence and prioritize mitigation efforts.
While we recommend identifying and buying components that are expected to remain available for an extended period, it’s important to also explore alternative solutions (including alternative suppliers) to mitigate disruptions to production and delivery. It’s also a good idea to avoid single-source solutions whenever possible to minimize dependency on specific vendors.
Strategic stockpiling of components is a protective measure against the unexpected component obsolescence and supply chain disruptions. Purchasing surplus components allows you to extend production timelines, accommodate regulatory approval processes, and minimize the impact of sudden EOL notifications.
Collaborating with reliable and knowledgeable suppliers is paramount in navigating the complexities of component obsolescence. A trusted partner who understands the unique requirements and challenges of the medical industry can provide invaluable support in identifying alternative solutions and mitigating risks associated with EOL components.
By fostering strong partnerships, you can leverage the expertise of your supplier to streamline procurement processes, expedite response times, and maintain supply chain continuity. Kingstec, for example, has helped companies in North America and Europe bring high-quality, innovative medical devices and equipment to market with over 40 years of engineering, manufacturing, and logistics experience. With our expertise and market knowledge, we help our clients manufacture the highest quality electronic assemblies for reliable and successful medical applications.
Establishing transparent communication channels with suppliers is essential for staying on top of the lifecycle stage of critical components. By fostering open dialogue, you can learn about potential EOL notifications and make informed decisions, ensuring continuity in production and adherence to regulatory standards.
Regular communication with your suppliers can also foster collaborative problem-solving, facilitating the timely resolution of component obsolescence challenges.
Kingstec has been at the forefront of the electronic components industry for over 40 years, and in that time, we’ve helped countless clients implement proactive measures to navigate EOL components. However, given the rapid pace of innovation, we’ve also prepared our clients to react to sudden component obsolescence.
Developing effective contingency plans, including purchasing leftover components, changing designs, and sourcing alternative components and materials, enables you to respond quickly to component obsolescence and uphold production schedules.
Do you need manufacturing for medical devices or electronic components? Looking for strategic partners to bring your solutions to market?
Kingstec is an all-in-one engineering, manufacturing, and logistics partner, with over 40 years of experience producing high-quality parts powering medical devices and equipment.
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