Organizational Strategy for Controlling Tech Upgrades and Phasing Out Products
GDCA Revolutionizes Legacy Equipment Manufacturing and Sustainment
In the ever-evolving world of engineering, one company stands out for its commitment to long-term support: GDCA. This manufacturing firm specializes in legacy manufacturing and sustainment engineering, focusing on supply-chain management and design for long-term support [1].
The spotlight recently fell on GDCA with the release of its series discussing their work. The series, titled "Changing Our Approach to Product Lifecycles," delves into GDCA's unique approach to managing legacy systems and products [2].
At the heart of GDCA's approach lies a proactive strategy towards electronics obsolescence. Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, GDCA encourages early planning and collaboration among all stakeholders, from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to the end users [2].
One of the key aspects of GDCA's approach is facilitating collaboration. They act as a leader that mobilizes and connects all supply chain participants, ensuring that everyone involved in a legacy product's ecosystem has input in sustainment plans and collectively finds viable solutions for continuing system support [2].
Another crucial element is the sustainment of discontinued products. GDCA determines product lifecycles based on actual needs and finds the best ways to sustain or repair complex legacy electronics, avoiding costly requalification or redesign when possible [2][3].
In the realm of stability and reliability, GDCA supports legacy architectures like VME, which remain in use due to their known stability and real-world performance despite newer standards being available. They emphasize minimizing reengineering and recertification efforts due to changes in components [3].
GDCA's model uniquely combines authorized legacy manufacturing, repair, and strategic obsolescence management with a networked, partnership-driven lifecycle approach. This enables industrial and embedded electronics systems to remain operational and supported well beyond typical commercial life cycles [1][2][3].
In addition to their work with obsolete electronics, GDCA also addresses issues such as obsolescence and offers solutions for the Missing Piece of the Supply Chain. They are transforming the way embedded electronics obsolescence is handled, challenging common misconceptions about sustaining legacy designs [1].
In collaboration with partners, GDCA is also involved in The Original Legacy: A Partnership for Proactive Obsolescence Management, ensuring the long-term sustainment of legacy applications [2].
In essence, GDCA is not just a manufacturing company; they are a pioneer in the field of legacy manufacturing and sustainment engineering, changing how we approach product lifecycles, obsolescence, and embedded electronics obsolescence. With Ethan Plotkin at the helm as CEO, GDCA is leading the charge in redefining how products' lifecycles are managed, creating a sustainable future for legacy systems in various industries.
References: [1] GDCA. (n.d.). The Missing Piece of the Supply Chain. Retrieved from https://www.gdcagroup.com/blog/the-missing-piece-of-the-supply-chain
[2] GDCA. (n.d.). Changing Our Approach to Product Lifecycles. Retrieved from https://www.gdcagroup.com/blog/changing-our-approach-to-product-lifecycles
[3] GDCA. (n.d.). Changing How We Approach Embedded Electronics Obsolescence. Retrieved from https://www.gdcagroup.com/blog/changing-how-we-approach-embedded-electronics-obsolescence
- In their work to revolutionize legacy equipment manufacturing and sustainment, GDCA works closely with financial institutions to secure funding for authorized legacy manufacturing, further solidifying their position in the manufacturing industry.
- As they transform how we approach embedded electronics obsolescence, GDCA's strategies not only consider the engineering aspects but also delve into the financial implications, aiming for solutions that are economically viable for stakeholders in the industry.