Why do PCN and EOL exist as separate notifications?

Even after mass production begins, electronic components undergo various changes, such as improvements to the manufacturing process, changes in materials, and factory relocations. On the other hand, some products eventually reach the end of production due to market conditions and changes in demand. The information that manufacturers should communicate to users differs depending on the type of change.

Therefore, a distinction is made between PCN (Product Change Notification), which notifies about changes, and EOL (End of Life), which notifies about the end of production. A PCN is a change notification issued on the premise that parts will continue to be supplied. On the other hand, an EOL is a notification issued as the supply of parts comes to an end, and their purpose and the information that should be checked are different.

How are PCN and EOL positioned within the component lifecycle?

Electronic components are not always supplied in the same state after being introduced to the market. Manufacturing processes, materials, and production locations may change for purposes such as quality improvement, increased production efficiency, or a review of the supply system. Furthermore, changes in market needs or product strategies may lead to the discontinuation of production.

These changes are natural events that occur throughout a component's lifecycle. Manufacturers issue PCNs and EOLs to notify users of these changes. While PCNs and EOLs are different notifications, both provide information about events that occur within the component's lifecycle. Looking at the entire lifecycle makes it easier to understand when and why each notification is issued.

Figure: The positioning of PCN and EOL in the component lifecycle

Generally, PCNs (Production Control Notices) are issued during the period when a part is in mass production. They are issued to notify users of any changes in manufacturing conditions, materials used, or production plants. In other words, PCNs are change notifications that assume the supply of the part will continue. On the other hand, EOLs (End of Life) are notifications issued at the end of the part's lifecycle. Manufacturers inform users of information such as the final order date and final shipment date as production approaches its end. EOLs serve as planning information for the end of supply.

The important point here is that PCN and EOL are not contradictory. PCN is a notification that "a part will change," and EOL is a notification that "the supply of that part is scheduled to end," and both are events that occur in the part lifecycle. Therefore, instead of simply viewing PCN and EOL as notifications, understanding them from the perspective of "what stage in the lifecycle that part is currently in" makes it easier to understand the meaning of each notification.

Is it possible for an End-of-Life (EOL) to be issued after a PCN (Priority Control Number)?

When considering PCN and EOL in the context of the product lifecycle, some may wonder, "Is it possible for an EOL to be issued after a PCN?" In short, it is possible for an EOL to be issued after a PCN. However, this does not mean that a PCN is a precursor to an EOL. Electronic components undergo various changes during mass production, such as process changes, material changes, and changes in manufacturing locations. In such cases, manufacturers issue PCNs to share these changes with users. In many cases, the component continues to be supplied afterward, and the issuance of a PCN itself does not indicate the end of production.

On the other hand, components eventually reach the end of their lifecycle. Due to factors such as changes in market conditions or product strategy, an End-of-Life (EOL) notice is issued when production is discontinued. Therefore, an EOL notice may be issued for the same component after a Product Change Notification (PCN), because they are notifications of events that occurred at different stages of the component's lifecycle. The important thing is not to consider PCN and EOL solely in terms of their sequence of events. A PCN is a notification to share changes, while an EOL is a notification to share the end of production. Since they have different purposes, the issuance of a PCN does not necessarily mean that the component will be discontinued in the near future.

From the perspective of a component lifecycle, PCN and EOL are related pieces of information, but they can be understood as notifications with different roles.

What are the key concepts for understanding PCN and EOL?

PCN and EOL are manufacturer notifications with different purposes. Therefore, they are often misunderstood as "PCN is a change notification" and "EOL is an end-of-production notification." However, from a component lifecycle perspective, both are issued to inform users of changes in the component's condition and are not unrelated notifications. During mass production, events such as process changes, material changes, and manufacturing site changes may occur due to quality improvements or revisions to the supply system. PCN notifies of such changes. On the other hand, EOL is issued when production is moving towards end-of-production due to changes in market conditions or product strategy.

In short, both PCN and EOL are notifications that inform about events occurring in the component lifecycle, but they differ in their roles and issuance timing. Therefore, rather than just looking at the notification itself, understanding the information from the perspective of "what stage in the lifecycle the component is currently in" will make it easier to understand the meaning of PCN and EOL.

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