UK faces critical skills gap in IoT component obsolescence

A recent report commissioned by design consultancy Bytesnap reveals a concerning skills gap in obsolescence management for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the UK. The report indicates that 88% of UK electronics manufacturers encounter obsolescence issues annually, with 81% struggling to find reliable partners possessing the necessary capabilities. The costs associated with redesigning systems after component discontinuation can soar above £250,000 for complex setups.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the broader impact of obsolescence on interconnected systems. The unavailability of a crucial component or module can render entire product lines unsupportable, leading to disruptions in production schedules, delays in time-to-market, compromised supply chain reliability, and potential regulatory compliance issues in sectors such as medical and energy.

The report, titled "Futureproofing Manufacturing: Tackling Obsolescence & Electronics Challenges in Industrial Manufacturing," draws insights from research involving nearly 600 industry professionals. It delves into obsolescence within embedded electronics, components, and software systems, shedding light on the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector.

As the world celebrates World IoT Day, the research underscores the significance of addressing obsolescence challenges across manufacturing industries. Proactive obsolescence management strategies have been shown to reduce costs by up to 80% compared to reactive approaches, enabling manufacturers to maintain continuity and avoid last-minute design compromises.

Furthermore, the report highlights the growing importance of AI integration for future competitiveness, with 89% of respondents acknowledging its significance. AI, when combined with connected hardware platforms, facilitates predictive maintenance, lifecycle forecasting, and quality control in electronics-heavy environments. However, 61% of respondents cite cost constraints as the primary barrier to adopting new technologies, underscoring the need to balance modernization efforts with limited capital budgets.

Looking ahead, 72% of manufacturers express a demand for upskilling and training programs, particularly in advanced electronics, embedded systems, and AI. The impending retirement of experienced engineers poses a significant risk due to knowledge gaps in these critical areas. Dunstan Power, Director at ByteSnap Design, emphasizes the urgent need for addressing the evolving challenge of technological obsolescence and the widening electronics expertise gap in the UK manufacturing landscape.