In brief
A product discontinuation is a manufacturer's notice that a product is being phased out, usually with dates for last orders and deliveries.
Contents
What is Product discontinuation?
Manufacturers usually inform their customers in writing about the end of a product. Common terms are product discontinuance notice (PDN), end-of-life notice or, for changes to the product, product change notification (PCN). The notice generally states the product concerned, the last order date, the last delivery date and, where available, a recommended successor.
Between the discontinuation and the actual end of delivery there is often a window in which customers can make a last time buy. After that, some manufacturers still offer a repair or spare parts service for a limited period. Whether this applies, and for how long, is manufacturer-specific.
A discontinuation becomes problematic if it does not reach the plant operator, for example because the part was procured via a machine builder or distributor. In addition, the successor type is not always compatible: dimensions, connections, software or approvals may differ.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
Discontinuation notices should be collected centrally and compared with the inventory of installed components. If a successor is recommended, a technical review is worthwhile before the last order date for the original passes.
Synonyms and abbreviations: product discontinuance notice (PDN) · product change notification (PCN) · end-of-life notice (EOL) · discontinued part
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PCN and a PDN?
A product change notification announces a change to a product that remains available, for example to its material, production site, dimensions or firmware. A product discontinuance notice, by contrast, announces the end of the product. Both are relevant to maintenance: a change can affect interchangeability, while the end of a product requires a decision on stockpiling or replacement.
How do you find out about discontinuations in good time?
Many manufacturers publish life cycle information on their websites or send notifications to registered customers. Anyone buying parts through distributors or machine builders should explicitly ask them to pass on such notices. Regular checks of the life cycle status of the most important components, for example once a year, and a central mailbox in which all notifications are collected also help.
What should you do if a part has already been discontinued?
First, it should be clarified how many units are installed and how long they will still be needed. Several options are then possible: remaining stock at distributors or other users, a successor recommended by the manufacturer, a technically equivalent alternative part, repair of existing parts or modernisation of the affected assembly. A combination is often sensible.