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Materials and Purchasing Managers should be actively involved in the compliant manufacturing transition plans of their organization.

Some reasons why include:

• The risk associated with an increase in excess and obsolete inventory of non-compliant components after the conversion to fully compliant manufacturing.
• The risk associated with mixed inventories (largest when the supplier modifies the content of a part to become compliant but does not change the base part number).
• The increased potential for supply shortages on compliant components as the EU deadlines approach.
• The timing requirements for pipelining parts supporting new production due to the manufacturing incompatibility between lead-bearing and lead-free parts.

Possible actions include:

• Developing a frequent and on-going connection between the materials management and manufacturing teams so that all are aware of the redesign and manufacturing transition timelines.

Finding a source of reliable data for component manufacturer plans and the true commercial availability of those components. Direct conversations with suppliers or the use of an information service like Arrow Risk Manager may be appropriate.

• Watching for EOL notifications that discontinue non-compliant components before your organization is prepared to move to the compliant version of that same part. (Manufacturing compatibility issues may make use of the compliant version difficult or impossible to use until a full redesign takes place).
• Considering your on-going production and spare parts needs when working with your supplier or distribution partner to identify suitable alternatives or last time buys.
• Watching closely for supplier Part Change Notifications (PCNs) that announce a change to a lead-free or RoHS compliant version of a part number that you are currently using. (Those suppliers choosing not to change their part numbers in these instances typically use PCN notification to alert the market to this change.)
• Working with your engineering group to determine if material composition changes to this part will have an immediate effect on your current processes. If you determine that you should store this compliant version separately, we suggest setting up a new internal part number and communicating closely with your supplier partners to avoid mixing of incoming pipelines.

Having difficulty getting supplier EOL and PCN notifications in a timely and easy to use manner? Learn more about Arrow Alert.