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Using FMEA As A Support For A Proactive Obsolescence Management
June 29, 2016.
Andre Oliveira (andre.oliveira@embraer.com.br)
Bio
Andre, M.Sc., is an equipment engineer who is responsible for electronic component management in Embraer. There, he is focused on developing strategies to increase equipment reliability through the selection of appropriate components for each application. His main specialities are Counterfeit Avoidance, Pb-free Effects Mitigation, Obsolescence Management and Uprating.
Participated as a speaker in last year symposium and in the IPR Enforcement Symposium - Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.
Member of SAE G-19 Counterfeit Electronic Parts Committee, SAE G-24 Pb-free Risk Management Committee for ADHP, Member of Pb-Free Electronics Risk Management (PERM) Council, Member of COBEI 03:107.01, which is the Brazil representative in IEC TC 107 - Process management for avionics, EMBRAER representative on Working Group - Project AFE 84 - ISRP (In service Reliability Program) - AVSI - Aerospace Vehicle Systems Institute
Abstract
Estimates shows that the average component life cycle has decreased greatly within latest years, roughly to half of its life cycle if compared to 25 years ago. Even though this is not a real problem for many electronic products, other long life cycle equipment needs to deal with this rapid evolution with the challenge to keep the equipment sustainable independently of the obsolescence of components. Examples of this kind of equipment are medical and aerospace/defense devices. Manufacturers of equipment for these markets usually do not have another choice than having a proactive obsolescence plan. The utilization of FMEA is proposed to analyze the impacts of obsolescence of components throughout the life of the equipment. It can be performed in any life cycle stage of the equipment; however, better results are expected when performing this in early stages of development. The same FMEA indexes are used, with the view of obsolescence, not failure. Severity - The severity of a specific component going obsolete can be measured in many different ways. It can be related to function, performance, manufacturability, company image and other important impacts. Likelihood - The consideration of low, medium or high risk of obsolescence can be defined based on information of life cycle stage of the component and the availability of alternative parts or sources. Detectability - There are many tools available today to help track components life cycle and detect obsolescence as soon as it can be detected. The use of this kind of tool raises the detectability of obsolescence and can help avoid additional costs related to late responses. Severity, Likelihood and Detectability of Obsolescence are given grades and the result is a Risk Priority Number that can be used to justify focus on certain components instead of others and created a more cost-effective Obsolescence Management Plan.
About EMBRAER
Embraer continues to consolidate itself as one of the main global forces in the aeronautical and defense and security markets, a leader in its operational sectors and recognized for the levels of excellence in its corporate initiatives. Embraer’s operations are concentrated in three business areas and markets: Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense & Security and Systems.