ARINC Inc. has a new product company officials say can extend the life of complex electronic and mechanical systems built into aircraft, vehicles, military weapons, and communications equipment. By predicting when electronic parts and other components may become obsolete, the ARINC Logistics Assessment and Risk Management (ALARM) System helps identify high-risk components, suggests alternatives and helps engineers determine the most cost-effective design solution.
ALARM assigns obsolescence risk ratings to all types of parts, not just electronics. It was designed to analyze both avionics and hydro-mechanical Bills of Materials (BOMs) and calculate risks based on associated logistics and engineering data.
By using ALARM, design engineers can avoid specifying components most likely to become obsolete quickly. Reducing parts obsolescence is a major step in controlling life-cycle costs and avoiding the effects of diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.