202204 – McGrath – The “Obsolescence Problem” in Signalling

The ‘obsolescence problem’ in signalling is a topic of much discussion and consternation. This paper focuses on the different types of obsolescence and the system elements and forces which drive the ‘problem’, to get a deep understanding of the landscape.

Obsolete items are a fact. Obsolescence management is a judgement function, with a predictive element (what is likely to happen), and an evaluative element (what the best course of action is). The obsolescence management standard [1] provides useful guidance – but requires the organisation to define the obsolescence items of interest.

In this paper a nested systems view of obsolescence items is proposed, identifying obsolescence items at three levels.