Asset Obsolescence
Manage equipment that still works but is becoming difficult to support safely and reliably.
What this topic covers
Manage equipment that still works but is becoming difficult to support safely and reliably.
Core ideas
Obsolescence can arise from unavailable parts, unsupported software, lost expertise or changing standards.
Risk grows when failure recovery depends on scarce components or knowledge.
Migration plans should consider interfaces, spares, training and data continuity.
Program tradeoffs
Condition-based maintenance only works when degradation can be detected with enough lead time to act.
What good evidence looks like
Backlog and work priority should reflect risk, readiness and consequence—not age alone.
Lifecycle perspective
Repeat failures are opportunities to remove causes through design, installation, operating or maintenance improvements.