Page 154 - PLC Automation

Additional information
Life cycle management for maximum return on investment

ABB has developed a PLC life cycle management model The life cycle management model divides a product's life
aimed at providing proactive services for maximizing cycle into four phases: active, classic, limited and obsolete.
availability and performance. This model not only provides Each phase has different implications for the end-user in
optimum support to end-users but also a smooth transition terms of services provided.
to a new product when the PLC has come to the end of
its lifetime.

Product life cycle management model

Active Classic Limited Obsolete

Active phase Obsolete phase
The active phase starts when the product is launched. In the The product is transferred to the obsolete phase when it is
no longer possible to provide services at reasonable cost or
8 active phase the end user benefits from different warranty when ABB can no longer support the product technically or
the old technology is not available.
options and other services such as training and technical
support. Complete life cycle services from spare parts and Benefits of life cycle management
maintenance are also provided. The active phase ends when PLC life cycle management maximizes the value of the
the volume production of a particular PLC ceases and ABB equipment and its maintenance investments by:
issues an announcement of the life cycle phase change. – ensuring spare parts and ABB competence availability

Classic phase throughout the lifetime
ABB PLC users continue to benefit from complete life cycle – enabling efficient product support and maintenance for
services throughout the classic phase. The classic phase is
closely aligned with ABB's research and development work to improved reliability
provide continuing support for its PLC products while devel- – adding functionality to the initial product by upgrading or
oping future generations. In the classic phase new hardware
and software development may be required to provide the retrofitting
maintenance techniques and upgrades needed to guarantee – providing a smooth transition to new technology at the end
that the PLC continues to operate at its peak performance.
Migration to a new PLC product is recommended before the of the product lifetime
product has entered the limited phase.

Limited phase
In the limited phase the product development has come to
its end. Spare parts are available as long as components and
materials can be obtained. Towards the end of the limited
phase, services gradually become obsolete. In addition to the
annual life cycle status reviews, ABB issues a life cycle phase
change announcement, half a year prior the product becoming
obsolete. This is the last opportunity to transfer to new
technology before product services end.

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