Are You Running Your Winder With Obsolete Automation Components?

7/2/2026

Key automation components are approaching obsolescence.

Suddenly, questions start appearing:

  • Are spare parts still available?

  • What is the real risk level of our current system?

  • When is the right time to modernize?

  • Should we wait or act before problems begin?

  • What other obsolete components are hidden behind the main control system?

Too often, evaluations only begin after a critical failure or spare part shortage creates an urgent production risk.

But the best rebuild decisions are not made in panic.

A proper evaluation of the complete automation environment, including control systems, drives, field devices, operator stations, communication networks, spare part availability, and long-term supportability helps identify the real risks early enough to make smart and cost-effective decisions.

With more than 31 years of hands-on experience with winders, automation systems, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance support, and projects, I help customers understand the actual condition of their machine automation and determine the right timing for modernization and rebuild projects.

My approach starts with a complete review of the winder automation environment.

The goal is not only to identify which components are already obsolete, but also:

  • Which components are approaching obsolescence

  • Which failures represent the highest production risk

  • Which spare parts are already available on site

  • Which critical components should be acquired while still available

  • Which parts may still be sourced from the market when needed

  • Which components should be included in future modernization plans

Working together with maintenance and automation personnel, we build a complete picture of the current situation and identify the vulnerabilities that could threaten future production.

Based on this assessment, a practical automation survival plan can be established.

The result is a clear understanding of:

  • Current automation risk exposure

  • Spare part availability and preparedness

  • Remaining supportability

  • Modernization priorities

  • Expected safe operating horizon of the existing automation system

The key question is therefore not only:

"Which components are obsolete?"

But also:

"How long can the current system reliably support your production targets?"

And perhaps even more importantly:

"What actions should be taken today to ensure reliable production for the years ahead?"

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