Siemens SIMATIC ET 200S product cancellation
Last month, Siemens issued a formal `Product Cancellation` notice for its popular I/O system, the SIMATIC ET 200S, but what does this mean for you?
Known as a P.M 410 by Siemens, a product cancellation notice is usually stage three of the broader Siemens Product Lifecycle. The next stage for the ET 200S is `Product Discontinuation`.
The Siemens product lifecycle
P.M 300 — Start of product delivery
From this date, the product is available for up to 12 years and will be actively marketed by Siemens.
P.M 400 — Product phase-out announcement
The 10-year spare parts warranty starts here, but the product can still be ordered as a new part. Additionally, at this milestone, Siemens will cease marketing for this product.
P.M 410 — Product cancellation
With this milestone, the spare parts phase starts, and with few exceptions, the product will only be available as a spare.
This is where the SIMATIC ET 200S is currently.
P.M 490 — Product discontinuation
With this milestone, the 10-year spare parts obligation ends. At this point, the product is no longer available, support becomes discontinued, and only warranty cases will be processed.
P.M 500 — End of product lifecycle
The product becomes completely discontinued, and Siemens ceases to carry spare parts, repair or advise on this product.
Working with diminishing support
Buying spares will become increasingly difficult as the ET 200S progresses through its Product Lifecycle.
Although moving to the scalable SIMATIC ET 200SP I/O system is advised by Siemens, it won't be the cheapest or fastest option in most instances.
That's where we come in.
At Foxmere, we understand that upgrading your system is expensive and timely, and we endeavour to help manufacturers continue using their existing hardware for as long as sensible to maximise its total lifetime value.
In the first instance, we offer new automation parts from stock. We hold thousands of automation parts from current and phased-out product families at our UK HQ and European warehouse.
However, for non-stock or hard-to-find automation spares, we offer an expert procurement service that utilises a global network of over 400 partners, including OEMs in other regions (that sometimes still hold end-of-life parts).
For example, on another product family, such as the Siemens SINUMERIK 802D sl (cancelled in 2016), we could offer new-old-stock from our stores, a refurbished spare from one of our partners or a repair service — each with a 12-month warranty.
For more information on how Foxmere can supply end-of-life and discontinued automation spares to your business, call +44 (0)1922 349 999 today.
