Quester Tangent launches program to manage end-of-life products

Quester Tangent, supplier of train electronics and software solutions for the passenger rail transportation industry,  launched its product End-of-Life (EOL) management program to maintain its long-term support commitments.

This strategic initiative gives Quester Tangent (QT) the ability to proactively identify and notify customers about EOL issues in their in-service products and components. Supported by a suite of processes and tools, this program regularly monitors electronic components in active designs for End-of-Life concerns. Once component issues are identified, product and customer impact is evaluated and action plans are developed to address the needs for the installed base.

RELATED: Quester Tangent, Alstom sign global framework agreement

“We’ve showcased our lifecycle commitment by having never terminated the long-term support of a product in Quester Tangent’s 20 year history,” said Stephen McKay, President/CEO at Quester Tangent. “This new initiative solidifies our position in the rail industry and allows us to provide better product support for electronics in a market needing such longevity,” added McKay.

All QT’s historical projects are monitored regularly to identify any affected customers and capture their End-of-Life milestones. A key output of the new program is proactive customer notifications with a defined timeline and action plan to address every EOL issue that has arisen (from transparent component substitutions to product migration). When a product End-of-Life transition is required, Quester Tangent will work closely with customers to review how this shift will affect QT products in their fleet. These actions will help fleet operators migrate their in-service product to an updated solution thus limiting any disruption to their daily operations.

For new rail projects, the EOL program will help QT to base its technology choices on components with low EOL risk. Regular obsolescence status reports ensure every QT component lasts for the duration of its use on the train.

“Implementing an obsolescence management plan allows us to control the operational life of every product we supply,” stated William Collins, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at Quester Tangent. “Our end-goal is to provide a smooth supply of our products to support fleet readiness and reduce the total cost of ownership,” concluded Collins.