Garz & Fricke products are manufactured reliably and in consistently high quality for many years. Already in the planning of new products, we analyze the list of parts, set for each relevant piece a risk class and define appropriate measures to ensure the long-term procurement. On customer request we create a customized policy for long-term availability of the acquired products.
We are proactively informed by our suppliers in case that, components will be changed or discontinued. Additionally we established, as part of our quality management system, a PCN process (PCN=Product change notification)
In this process we assess the supplier’s message and decide whether we can replace the affected component by a following type, whether a redesign is required and whether we can offer our customers a form and functionally compatible subsequent system.
We have split the product discontinuation in 4 phases, which are regulated as follows:
Phase 1 – General distribution
The normal commercialization phase of our products – they are made anonymously or as customer-related frame contract and are available from stock with the known delivery time.
For our touch panel systems this phase is generally running over a period of five to ten years.
Service features and product support are available in the known and comprehensive volume.
Phase 2 – Last Order
Six months before the anonymous assembly ends, all customers of the affected products will be informed about the upcoming proclamation by e-mail.
In reason of this early information, every customer gets the chance to change to a following product in time. In addition there is the possibility to agree a final order – both one time as well as obtain a certain number of products as frame order over a period of twelve months.
Garz & Fricke GmbH collects the incoming orders and produces one last batch.
Service features and product support are available in the known and comprehensive volume.
Phase 3 – Individual customer-specific distribution
Individual stock ages of produced components and products are possible, as well as a long-term stockage (up to 10 years) of the discontinued components against conversion by an external service (costs for the service, capital commitment of Garz & Fricke and handling fee).
All customers who have an individual supply agreement with the Garz & Fricke GmbH, will be delivered with the requested product in the agreed terms.
Of course in this phase the full service and support volume of Garz & Fricke GmbH is remaining for products, which will be actively installed in existing machinery and equipments.
Garz & Fricke will support the changeover of an existing machinery and equipment to a following system. The customer arranges any necessary adaptation and tests (EMV, Safety etc.).
Phase 4 – Repair and Maintenance service
After the end of the individual assembly, repair and maintenance service will be available for the full volume for a minimum of two more years, depending on the component as well beyond.
In this phase we offer product support after agreement on project base.
In case of any questions regarding our product discontinuation management, you can contact support@garz-fricke.com.