A purchasing team may notice a price increase immediately but overlook a manufacturer’s change notification. Both can matter to an ongoing production programme. A product change notification, or PCN, deserves a defined review process.
Start With the Actual Notice
Manufacturers provide notification services to help customers keep track of product changes. Use the manufacturer’s published notice rather than relying only on a forwarded summary. Read what changed, which ordering codes are affected and what dates apply. Do not assume the notice covers every device in a family.
Separate Change From Discontinuance
A change notification should not automatically be interpreted as a product discontinuance announcement. Read the document’s stated purpose. If the meaning is unclear, ask the manufacturer or relevant supply contact before making purchasing decisions. Do not interpret a transition date as a last-order date without supporting information.
Give Engineering a Specific Review Request
Forward the complete notice with a list of affected internal BOM lines. Ask engineering and quality to determine whether assessment, samples, testing or an update to the approved purchasing specification is needed. Procurement should not independently declare a technical change acceptable.
Keep the Decision With the Order Record
Record the notice reference, review outcome and approved restrictions. Communicate any transition requirements before accepting quotations and ask what evidence is available for the specific offer.
A PCN is useful only when it reaches the people who can assess its impact and the decision is reflected in purchasing records. Include relevant notices and approved conditions with your enquiry.
Source: Microchip Product Change Notification Service: https://onlinedocs.microchip.com/oxy/GUID-297721DD-CE99-4332-9365-E2DFEEC0256F-en-US-3/GUID-CDA512D8-0DE4-4672-8716-04CAC681CB38.html
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