1. Obsolescence: viewpoints and definitions

1.1 Views of manufacturers/suppliers and product users

We need to distinguish between the viewpoint of product manufacturers and suppliers, and that of users, bearing in mind that manufacturers may themselves be users. In the production chain, there are original component manufacturers (OCM) and original equipment manufacturers (OEM), who use the components of the former. The OEM may be confronted with component obsolescence, putting him in the position of a user. It will then have to find solutions to continue producing its equipment, or modify it, to supply it to the end user.

For the manufacturer, product discontinuation may be due to new regulations or the unavailability of basic components, which may lead to modified products being offered to customers....