Levison Enterprises Blog | Medical Device Contract Manufacturing

Understanding the "Why" Behind Parts Obsolescence in Medical Device Manufacturing

It is no secret that parts obsolescence is a major concern in the electronic industry. But the problem of obsolete and hard to find components seems to be compounded when it comes to medical device manufacturing. Medical device manufacturing comes with its own unique set of qualifications. The concern with parts obsolescence for electronic medical devices is equally as unique. But in order to begin to combat the problem, you must first fully understand it.

Mitigate Parts Obsolescence in Medical Device Manufacturing with a DFM

Patients often rely on electronics to increase their longevity. Their lives depend on medical devices that have long lives of their own. However, parts obsolescence in medical device manufacturing can complicate this. Many electronic components have life cycles which are shorter than that of the medical device in which they are used. Obsolescence of electronic components is a common problem. Sometimes parts become obsolete before a product is even through production. Often the only chance manufacturers have to battle this is with forecasting and being proactive.

How to Manage Parts Obsolescence in Medical Device Manufacturing

Medical devices are much more complex than even just five years ago. Simply replacing just a part or two is not an option. That being said, reacting to parts obsolescence instead of planning for it is an inadequate process. Planning ahead is a must when it comes to managing parts obsolescence in medical device contract manufacturing. No matter how good your product is, there will come a point when a key component will become unavailable. However, a proactive approach will keep it rolling off the assembly line and into the hands of your customers. Here’s how.

ECMs are Redesigning Medical Devices to Mitigate Parts Obsolescence

Medical devices diagnose diseases and prolong life. They have come a long way since they were first introduced more than a century ago. And while technology allows for a continuous push for smaller and more powerful medical electronics, the real issue for aging medical devices is component obsolescence. The current medical device regulatory landscape is extremely sensitive to this risk.

The Importance of PFMEA in Electronic Contract Manufacturing

In any manufacturing process, there are bound to be issues. From design to prototype to manufacturing, problems can arise, and the failure to address them early can cost you in both time and money. To best mitigate issues like this, implement the Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to help streamline your approach.

Management of Parts Obsolescence in the Medical Device Industry

Parts obsolescence is already a big problem in the electronic industry. The fast pace of medical device development only compounds the trouble of hard to source components. Technology--especially medical technology--moves forward rapidly. And, in some cases, parts become obsolete before the final product is even finished. Essential parts become impossible to source. However, this does not mean your cutting-edge medical device has reached a dead end. Finding the right medical device contract manufacturing partner can do a lot to mitigate the issue of parts obsolescence.

Outsource Your Medical Device Manufacturing with Confidence

Over the last decade, the medical device industry has experienced exponential growth. However, as the market has grown, there have been a number of factors driving costs and expenses up as well. Staying on the cutting edge of the industry also means maintaining profitability. Increasingly, more and more companies are turning to outsourcing to stay flexible in an exploding field.

Benefits of a Domestic Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Partner

For years, medical device companies relied heavily on overseas manufacturers for production. There is a long-standing thought that you could save a lot of money by relying on foreign manufacturers for medical device contract manufacturing. However, that is not necessarily the case. With the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tightening regulatory standards and the US government's trade war with China, the med-tech industry is increasingly turning its eye to domestic electronic manufacturing services. Many companies are now finding that they are getting more than just manufacturing when hiring a domestic contractor. They are getting a true partner and all of the added benefits that come with that relationship.

PCB Component Factors That Are Driving Up Your Electronic Assembly Quote

The cost of electronic assembly can vary as much as the design of a printed circuit board (PCB.) Most think the cost is driven by the availably of the multitude of components needed for PCB assembly. While that may be an influence, there are a whole host of other factors that comes into play too. Add them all together and your costs can skyrocket. Component shortages are real, but here are some other factors that may be driving up the cost of your PCB.

6 Things That Might Be Missing From Your Medical Device Electronics Design

An effective medical device design addresses a medical need and offers a solution. It is also compliant with healthcare regulatory mandates and delivers functionalities that satisfy the end user’s needs. However, electronic medical devices are only as useful as their design dictates. Before the manufacturing of your medical device, it’s a good idea to have a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis done on your electronic design to make sure it’s optimized for manufacturing.

Find An Engineering Partner For Your Medical Device

You’re a chemical engineering or mechanical engineering firm and are tasked with creating the next big medical device. You’re already working on the design and interface, but there are electronics inside your design. Maybe you dabble. Maybe you know a guy. Maybe you took a few classes in school. But is that the knowledge you can trust to develop what could become the next big medical device breakthrough?

Medical Device Manufacturing: How To Stay Competitive

Industry demand has kept most medical device manufacturers engaged in a constant battle to stay on top of the growing medical device manufacturing market. However, the industry is splitting.