With technology advancing at lightning speed and embedded boards being EOL’d  sometimes even while a system is still in the design phase, new methods and ways of thinking must be introduced to meet the needs of programs and applications with long lifecycles.

When embedded boards become obsolete, a Legacy Manufacturer can step in and provide replacements newly built according to the OEMs’ original IP specifications. While the end result is you getting what you need, the process to getting there is entirely different than working with an OEM and most procurement departments are not aware of this. There are a lot of things to consider. It’s important to learn about the process.

Working with a Legacy Equipment Manufacturer (LEM) that provides legacy sustainment from early on in your project is smart for your business. They offer you a big picture view of the lifespan of your legacy embedded boards. A qualified legacy equipment manufacturer has their thumb on the pulse of the supply chain, are experts in counterfeit avoidance, tracking traceability and have testing procedures in place to assure your product is guaranteed reliable and the same quality craftsmanship as your original parts.

Legacy Manufacturing is the solution to the problem of maintaining obsolete boards in systems with long life cycles. Or if your last time buy has been underestimated (or perhaps missed altogether) and parts or repairs are still needed, Legacy Manufacturing is often the only option.