At Auckland International, we specialise in helping businesses realise the value tied up in excess and redundant electronic component stock. A recent project provided an excellent example of just how significant that value can be.
Obsolete Components Blog: page 2 of 8
During a recent visit to China, Trevor Tucker of Auckland International travelled to the Shenzhen headquarters of SJK, one of our manufacturing partners, to discuss current projects, future opportunities and the continued development of our working relationship.
Electronic component obsolescence is often viewed simply as a purchasing problem. A component reaches the end of its manufacturing life, the purchasing department struggles to find stock, and production is delayed until replacements can be sourced. In reality, the cost of obsolete electronic components extends far beyond the purchase price. The wider financial impact on a business can be significant, affecting production, engineering, customer relationships and long-term profitability.
Understanding these hidden costs can help businesses take a more strategic approach to managing component obsolescence.
Semiconductor Review has named ERAI its 2026 Anti-Counterfeit Solutions Provider of the Year, recognising its role in helping organisations manage supply chain risk and protect against counterfeit electronic components.
In electronics procurement, terms such as obsolete, end-of-life (EOL) and hard-to-find are often used interchangeably. In reality, they describe different stages in a component’s lifecycle, each with its own risks, costs and sourcing considerations. Understanding these distinctions helps engineers, buyers and procurement teams make more informed decisions.