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2 Year Warranty on ALL products
Avoiding Downtime: How to Source Obsolete Automation Parts Fast
Few things are more costly to a manufacturer than unexpected downtime. When a drive, PLC, or HMI fails and the part is obsolete, every hour spent searching for a replacement translates to lost production, wasted labor, and missed deadlines. The good news is that with the right sourcing strategy—and the right supplier—you can find reliable replacements quickly and keep your operations running smoothly.
Why Obsolete Parts Cause Big Problems
Automation technology evolves fast. OEMs routinely discontinue older product lines as new generations launch. For many facilities, however, upgrading an entire control system simply isn’t practical—especially when a single component failure is all that’s holding up production.
That’s where sourcing obsolete parts becomes critical. These components aren’t listed in current catalogs, and OEM lead times (if available at all) can stretch for months. Without a supplier who specializes in legacy inventory, you risk extended downtime or being forced into an expensive, unplanned upgrade.
Step 1: Identify the Exact Part You Need
Before starting your search, confirm the specific model number, series, and firmware version. Even small variations can affect compatibility. Check your system documentation, nameplates, and existing part labels carefully. If the part is missing or unreadable, take note of the system model or panel type—it may help your supplier cross-reference a compatible alternative.
- Pro tip: Include photos of the part label and wiring connections when requesting a quote. This helps suppliers like Industrial Automation Co. confirm exact matches faster.
Step 2: Choose a Supplier Who Specializes in Obsolete Automation Components
Not all suppliers can support legacy systems. Look for companies that maintain a wide range of new and refurbished inventory from multiple brands—and can verify functionality before shipping.
At Industrial Automation Co., we stock thousands of legacy parts from leading OEMs, including:
- Siemens
- Mitsubishi
- ABB
- Yaskawa
- LS Electric
- Schneider Electric
- Omron
Our in-stock inventory is tested, warrantied, and ready to ship—often the same day you order. That means you can replace a failed component in hours instead of weeks.
Step 3: Verify Testing and Warranty
When buying obsolete automation equipment, testing is everything. Unverified parts may arrive nonfunctional or fail soon after installation. Always confirm that your supplier performs full functional tests and offers a solid warranty.
- Functional testing: Drives are tested under load; PLCs are verified for I/O communication; HMIs are powered on and checked for display clarity and touchscreen response.
- Warranty coverage: Industrial Automation Co. backs every product with a 2-year warranty—one of the best in the industry.
Step 4: Be Open to Equivalent or Cross-Compatible Options
Sometimes an exact part number is unavailable. In that case, a cross-compatible or functionally equivalent replacement may restore your system just as effectively. A trusted supplier will help identify these options without compromising safety or performance.
Our sales and technical teams specialize in helping customers cross-reference discontinued parts, offering multiple solutions based on your system requirements, price range, and urgency.
Step 5: Act Fast and Communicate Clearly
When downtime hits, minutes matter. The faster you can provide details—part number, brand, description, quantity, and photos—the faster your supplier can quote, test, and ship the replacement. Clear communication shortens response times and reduces back-and-forth delays.
We recommend keeping a digital record of your plant’s most critical components. That way, if a failure occurs, you can immediately share part details and system context with your supplier.
How Industrial Automation Co. Minimizes Downtime
At Industrial Automation Co., fast fulfillment is part of our DNA. Our team is trained to handle emergency requests quickly and accurately. Here’s how we help customers stay productive:
- Extensive in-stock inventory: Thousands of tested and warrantied parts for legacy systems.
- Same-day shipping: Most orders placed before cutoff ship the same day.
- Expert guidance: Fast cross-references and alternative options for obsolete components.
- 2-year warranty: Every purchase is covered for peace of mind and long-term reliability.
Our goal is simple: to keep your operation running, no matter how old your equipment may be.
When to Consider Modernization
While sourcing obsolete parts is often the quickest and most affordable fix, it’s also wise to plan ahead. If your facility relies heavily on discontinued hardware, begin developing a modernization roadmap. This allows you to transition on your own terms—without the pressure of unplanned downtime.
Industrial Automation Co. can help identify upgrade paths while still supplying the parts you need to stay operational today.
Final Takeaway
Downtime costs more than replacement parts ever will. By working with a supplier who understands legacy automation systems, you can find obsolete components fast, restore production quickly, and protect your bottom line.
Contact Industrial Automation Co. today to get a quote on hard-to-find automation parts or emergency replacements. We’ll help you source what you need—fast, tested, and warrantied.