Lifecycle information (End of Life / EOL) provided in 3Dfindit / PARTdataManager controls the use of parts. Icons and dialogs are used to provide information on the expiration date of products and possible alternatives.

Example 3Dfindit

Example PARTdataManager

Clicking on the icon opens a dialog box with specific information and the option to open the original part (if permitted) or an alternative part (if available).

Example: "Product has been discontinued [Product has expired.]. Please do not use for new designs [Please do not use for new designs.]. No valid spare parts have been specified [No valid replacement parts have been specified. For questions, please contact the manufacturer.]. If you have any questions,please contact the manufacturer. [No valid replacement parts have been specified. For questions, please contact the manufacturer.]"

There are two basic control scenarios, but they lead to comparable results for the user.

Scenario 1: Specific discontinuation information and/or the specification of any existing alternative products is carried out by the standard or catalog manufacturer. The settings for this are made in PARTproject under Tabbed page Settings -> Tabbed page General -> Menu item End of Life [Expiration date (End of Life)]. See Section 8.4.2, “Setting up the functionality from the catalog provider's side”.

Scenario 2: The standards body can manually or company-specific blocking (and/or possibly specifying alternative products) and block the export to the CAD system. The settings for this are made in PARTadmin using a configuration file under $CADENAS_DATA/datasetup/replace_std.cfg. See Section 8.4.2, “Setting up the functionality from the catalog provider's side”.