IIOM (International Institute of Obsolescence Management)

Announcing the New IIOM UK Council for 2025–2027 IIOM UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its UK Council for the term 2025–2027. This new council, composed of industry leaders and dedicated professionals, will guide the UK chapter of IIOM into an exciting new era of innovation, collaboration, and growth in obsolescence management. 🎤 Meet the Council Members ➡️ Chair: Stuart Broadbent FIIOM, Alstom Bringing years of expertise and a commitment to advancing obsolescence management practices, Stuart will lead the council with a focus on collaboration and industry impact. ➡️ Vice Chair: John Dyson MIIOM, Winslow Adaptics A passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing and sustainable practices, John will support the Chair and help shape IIOM UK's strategic direction. ➡️ Jon Anslow FIIOM ➡️ Geddy Blake, CMCA (UK) ➡️ Tomas Donovan-Lowe MIIOM, Leonardo ➡️ Tim Elliott ChPP RPP FAPM FIIOM PCQI , Allan Webb ➡️ Daniel Grundy FIIOM, JLR ➡️ Liam Wright MIIOM, JLR Each council member brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in obsolescence management. Together, they will oversee initiatives that drive industry engagement, provide resources for members, and strengthen IIOM UK’s position as a leader in this vital field.   🔍 A Vision for 2025–2027 Over the next three years, the UK Council will focus on: 1️⃣ Expanding industry awareness of obsolescence management's importance. 2️⃣ Strengthening member engagement through events, training, and collaboration opportunities. 3️⃣ Promoting knowledge transfer to empower the next generation of professionals. 4️⃣ Driving sustainable practices to address challenges related to supply chain disruptions and technological obsolescence. 💡 Looking Ahead IIOM UK is poised for an exciting journey under this new leadership. With the diverse expertise and dedication of this council, we are confident in their ability to steer the UK chapter toward continued growth and success. We extend our gratitude to the outgoing council for their incredible contributions and warmly welcome the new UK Council. 📝 Get Involved Stay tuned for upcoming IIOM UK initiatives, events, and opportunities to engage with the council. Together, let’s work toward building stronger, more sustainable systems in obsolescence management.   Please join us in congratulating the new council members and wishing them success in their tenure!   #IIOMUK #Leadership #ObsolescenceManagement #IIOM2025 #Sustainability #KnowledgeTransfer  

🌟 IIOM Conference 2025: Call for Papers Now Open! 🌍 We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Conference, themed: "Building and Sustaining Systems in the Face of Obsolescence: Business Cases and Knowledge Transfer to the Next Generation of Experts." 📅 Save the Date: 20 – 23 October 2025, Paris, France What to Expect: 🎤 Keynote speeches from leading voices in obsolescence management. 💡 Technical presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. 🔍 Unique networking opportunities to connect with professionals at all career levels. 📝 Dedicated sessions to foster collaboration between seasoned experts and early-career professionals. 📜 Call for Papers: We invite you to actively participate by submitting your abstract for consideration by 17 February 2025. Accepted abstracts may be featured in presentations, workshops, or poster sessions. Selected presenters will enjoy: ✔ A significant discount on registration fees. ✔ The chance to shape the future of obsolescence management. 🎯 How to Submit: Download the Abstract Template https://lnkd.in/ei_er2vd Submit your abstract to conference2025@iiom.global before the deadline. 💡 Why Attend? This conference is your opportunity to exchange ideas, expand your network, and play a role in nurturing the next generation of obsolescence management experts. Plus, enjoy breath-taking views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, from one of the city’s newest hotels. 📌 Don’t Miss Out! Visit the event page https://lnkd.in/ebaUXhmb for full details, and mark your calendars for this landmark event in obsolescence management. We look forward to welcoming you to Paris in 2025! #IIOM2025 #ObsolescenceManagement #KnowledgeTransfer #CallForPapers #Networking #ParisConference IIOM Australia IIOM (U.S. Chapter of International Institute of Obsolescence Management COGD (Component Obsolescence Group Deutschland) e.V. Obsolescence Management Association Chapter India(OMACI) Institut Français de l'Obsolescence

Happy New Year 🎆 ! We are starting it with our next free webinar "Designing for Obsolescence" Pre-register and join us, as we explore how proactive design and management approaches can mitigate obsolescence risks, reduce redesign costs, and ensure long-term sustainability. Speakers and Topics are: 🎤 Joe Macleod: Endings. Why bother? 🎤 Kevin Boenning: DMSMS Management Plans – Set Yourself Up for Success 🎤 John Dyson MIIOM: Slash future re-design and re-qualification costs through Design for Obsolescence Management (DfOM) 🎤 Marcel den Hollander, PhD: Designing in space as well as in time, ahead of time. The event will be hosted by Manuela Grundy, CTO at IIOM UK. We will hear from our experts and then dive into a panel discussion, answering your questions. It’s free to attend. Pre-registration required via the link   We are looking forward to seeing you there.  #obsolescence  #design

My 20 Top Quotes of Obsolescence Denial 2024 (And why they're wrong!) I started this post and it surely but slowly developed into a rant. Hesitating to end this year on that note I went through my transcripts and meeting notes with clients from the entire year and pulled quotes I got hit with the most. My personal highlight was: "Obsolescence is just being hyped so people like you can sell software" Needless to say I got emotional (which is bad for business, and should be reserved for discussions with your kids) So without further ado here is my 20 point line-up: 1. Obsolescence isn't our problem Reality: It's everyone's problem, parts disappear without discrimination. 2. We've got backup suppliers Reality: Complex components often have single-source manufacturing. 3. Our product cycle is too short to worry Reality: Components die mid-development, killing products before birth. (ask defense) 4. We'll just swap in alternatives Reality: Form, fit, and function matches are rarely simple. 5. Redesigns are simple tweaks Reality: Each redesign devours months and six-figure budgets. 6. We'll stockpile what we need Reality: Storage costs and shelf-life make stockpiles a liability. 7. Our engineers can handle it Reality: Your engineers are busy engineering. Let them. 8. The financial impact is minimal Reality: Because you don't track the real cost across departments 9. We only use common parts Reality: Today's commodity is tomorrow's museum piece. 10. Suppliers will warn us Reality: Famous last words before the line stops. 11. Last time buys are our safety net Reality: Depending on your predicitions that's gambling with your working capital. 12. Only legacy products face risks Reality: Component lifecycles are shrinking, also impacting new designs. 13. Our customers understand supply issues Reality: They understand one thing, your support failed when they needed it. 14. We'll handle it when it happens Reality: Reactive management costs 10x more than prevention. 15. Quality vendors protect us Reality: Even platinum customers face end-of-life. 16. Our product is too basic to worry Reality: A single 50-cent component can shut down your million-dollar line. 17. The market is too big to lose this part Reality: Volume means nothing when fabs need upgrades. 18. We can always reverse engineer Reality: Modern components are impossible to clone legally or technically. 19. Our product portfolio is diverse enough Reality: Shared components create domino effects across product lines. 20. Obsolescence is unpredictable" Reality: It's a predictable, manageable risk, if you stop denying it exists. To everyone fighting dying components: What obsolescence denial quotes make you lose it? ♻️ Repost to spread awareness. Because ignorance is more expensive than any obsolescence management solution. #ComponentObsolescence #SupplyChain #Engineering #ProductLifecycle

How to Make Your Boss Care About Obsolescence Management Because "we need this" isn't enough anymore. Hey fellow engineers, we all know the pain: You're trying to explain why proactive obsolescence management matters, but management sees it as "just another tool request." Tired of explaining why "it worked fine for 20 years" isn't a sustainable strategy? Let's change that conversation. What Management Actually Cares About: ↳ Project deadlines ↳ Resource allocation ↳ Budget predictability ↳ Risk management ↳ Competitive advantage ↳ Customer satisfaction So Here's How to Translate YourDaily Pain: Instead of: "We need to track component lifecycles" Say: "We can reduce unplanned engineering hours by getting ahead of component changes" Instead of: "Parts are going obsolete" Say: "We're facing increasing supply chain risks that affect project timelines" What's Working When Talking to Management: ➡️ Track time spent searching for replacements ➡️ Document rush fees paid for emergency parts ➡️ Show examples of delayed projects due to obsolescence ➡️ Calculate engineering hours spent on urgent redesigns ➡️ Highlight customer commitments at risk Frame the Discussion Around: ↳ Engineering time better spent on innovation ↳ Predictable project timelines ↳ Strategic planning vs. firefighting ↳ Risk reduction ↳ Resource optimization Quick Tips for Your Next Management Meeting: -Bring specific examples from your projects (And bloody talk about them) -Focus on business impact, not technical details (Stop being a nerd and think like a manager) -Show how proactive management saves money (One of the topics everybody starts listening) -Compare planned vs. emergency update costs (Whip out the calculator and prove your theory) -Highlight competitive advantages (why our lawn good be greener then theirs) Your lingo vs theirs: ↳ You say: "EOL notification" ↳ They hear: "Something about parts" ↳ They need to hear: "Risk to project deadlines and budget" The more you can translate technical challenges into business terms, the better your chance of getting support. P.S. Keep a log of obsolescence-related incidents. Data speaks louder than opinions. P.P.S. - Share this with other engineers if it helped you make your case. ♻️ Because Obsolescence is Real! #ObsolescenceManagement #ComponentObsolescence #Engineering #Manufacturing"

Is AI the New Obsolescence Manager? (Spoiler: It's Complicated!) Remember when everyone thought robots would replace all our jobs? Well, let's talk about AI and Obsolescence Management, because this isn't your typical "AI vs Human" story. Imagine this: AI scanning through millions of components, predicting obsolescence patterns, and analyzing market trends faster than you can say "end-of-life notice." Impressive, right? But here's where it gets interesting... The Truth About AI in Obsolescence Management: ↳ Can process vast amounts of data? Absolutely! ↳ Spots patterns humans might miss? You bet! ↳ Understands that urgent call from a pi.... off engineer about a critical legacy system? Ahh...No!. Here's What AI Actually Does Well: ➡️ Predicts component lifecycles with scary accuracy ➡️ Monitors global supply chains 24/7 ➡️ Identifies alternative parts in milliseconds ➡️ Flags risks before humans even notice them But Wait, change of angle: Remember that time when you had to convince the CEO why spending millions on redesign was better than hoarding components? Try AI having a shot at that! Some things still need that human touch: ↳ Negotiating with suppliers about last-time-buy options ↳ Understanding the real impact of obsolescence on different stakeholders ↳ Making judgment calls based on years of experience ↳ Building relationships with key industry partners Empathy and negotiation are the key skills here! And those are very human..... The Real Magic? It's in the Partnership: Think of it this way: AI is like having a super-powered assistant who never sleeps, while the human Obsolescence Manager is the strategic conductor who knows which instruments need to play when. The Future Isn't About Replacement, It's About Enhancement: AI handles the data-heavy lifting Humans handle the complex decision-making Together, they create better obsolescence strategies than either could alone. The Bottom Line: AI isn't the better Obsolescence Manager, it's the better tool FOR the Obsolescence Manager. It's not about replacing humans; it's about giving them superpowers to do their jobs even better. Think about it: Would you trust AI alone to decide the fate of your critical systems? Or would you rather have a skilled professional using AI to make smarter, faster, and better-informed decisions? #AI #ObsolescenceManagement #DigitalTransformation #SupplyChainRisk P.S. Next time someone tells you AI will replace Obsolescence Managers, show them this post! ♻️ P.P.S. The real question isn't whether AI is better, it's how WE can be better by working with AI. Agree?

🎄 Christmas and the Challenge of Obsolescence 🎁 As the holiday season approaches, many of us are shopping for gifts that will bring joy to loved ones. Yet, in this season of giving, it’s worth reflecting on a growing challenge in our world: planned obsolescence and its impact on sustainability. From gadgets to appliances, many items today are designed with a short lifespan in mind—encouraging frequent replacements and driving waste. This is especially noticeable during Christmas, a time when millions of products are purchased, gifted, and soon discarded. How can we make a difference? ➡️ Choose timeless over trendy. Quality items designed to last often hold more meaning and reduce waste. ➡️ Consider circular economy gifts. Refurbished electronics, upcycled goods, or even subscription services can be sustainable alternatives. ➡️ Value experiences over things. Experiences like travel, courses, or even a shared meal create lasting memories without adding to landfills. ➡️ Advocate for repairability. Support companies that design products to be repaired, not replaced. With those thoughts, IIOM would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2025. #Sustainability #Christmas #PlannedObsolescence #GreenLiving #ThoughtfulGifting

🚀 IIOM 2025 Presidency Handoff! 🚀 We are excited to announce the official handoff of the IIOM International Presidency from TJ Zitkevitz of Lockheed Martin Co. to Marc Zolghadri of ISAE-Supmeca. 🎉 Over the past two and a half years, TJ has done a great job leading the international IIOM community, steering our efforts in obsolescence management 🙏 Now, we look forward to Prof. Marc Zolghadri taking the reins, as we prepare for the IIOM 2025 Conference, which will be held in October 2025 in Paris. 🇫🇷 This marks the start of another exciting chapter in our journey towards innovation, collaboration, and excellence in obsolescence management. Thank you, TJ, for your fantastic contributions, and congratulations, Prof. Zolghadri! We can’t wait to see what the future holds! #IIOM2025 #LeadershipHandoff #ObsolescenceManagement #Innovation #Networking #obsolescence

ESG and Obsolescence Management Walk Into a Bar... Not a Joke! Why Sustainability and Obsolescence go together. Let's talk about how these two are becoming inseparable partners in today's industry. Remember when Obsolescence Management was just about keeping old systems running and saving money? Those were simpler days. Add ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) to the mix, and suddenly we're not just maintaining equipment, we're saving the planet. Too dramatic? Maybe. But hear me out. The Environmental Part: We're experts at keeping things running long past their "best before" date. Turns out, that's exactly what our planet needs right now. Every component we repair or reuse is one less in the landfill. Who knew we were environmental warriors all along? The Social Bit: This is where it gets interesting. We're not just tracking parts anymore, we're asking questions like "Where did this come from?" and "Who made it?" Because surprisingly, your customers actually care about this stuff. (I know, right?) Governance (stay with me here): Yes, it's the boring one of the trio. But it's like having a good insurance policy, you'll be really glad you have it when things go sideways. Here is the fascinating bit: Every time we extend a product's life, we're not just saving money, we're part of something bigger. It's like we've been doing sustainability before it was cool, just without the fancy marketing. Think about it: - Less waste? Check. - Better resource use? Check. - Happy customers? Double check. - Saving money? Now you're speaking my language. The Truth Is: We don't need to reinvent the wheel to integrate ESG into Obsolescence Management. We just need to recognize that what we've been doing all along has more value than we thought. And hey, if we can save the world while keeping those legacy systems running, that's what I call a win-win. Do you agree? #ESG #ObsolescenceManagement #Sustainability #CircularEconomy P.S. Please repost ♻️ Because Obsolescence is real!

Upskill for 2025! Advance Your Supportability Engineering Career Ready to level up your expertise in Supportability Engineering? Look no further! We're thrilled to announce our comprehensive lineup of courses for 2025, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this vital field. What We Offer: Wide Range of Topics: Master critical areas like ILS & Supportability Engineering Management, RCM, LCC, Obsolescence Management and more. Expert-Led Training: Learn from industry veterans who will share their experience and insights. Certified & Endorsed Courses: Enhance your credibility with IIOM (International Institute of Obsolescence Management) certified and CILT (UK) endorsed courses. CPD Contribution: Many courses contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. Invest in your future with Allan Webb's Supportability Engineering courses! Explore our offerings and register today: https://lnkd.in/e3uJ_qE2 #SupportabilityEngineering #Training #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvancement #DefenceIndustry #Engineering #AssetManagement