Definitions of terms used in parts sourcing and procurement.
Allocation
Allocation is when component demand outstrips supply and manufacturers ration parts. Here's how it differs from obsolescence and how to source through it.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
AS6081
AS6081 is an SAE standard for avoiding counterfeit parts when buying from independent distributors. Here's what it requires and when it applies.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
AS9100
AS9100 is the aerospace quality management standard for manufacturers, built on ISO 9001. Here's what it covers and how it relates to AS9120 for distributors.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
AS9120
AS9120 is the quality management standard for distributors of aerospace parts, adding traceability and counterfeit controls to ISO 9001. Here's what it covers.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Authorized (Franchised) Distributor
An authorized distributor sells components under a direct agreement with the manufacturer. Here's what that means for traceability and counterfeit risk.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
AVL / AML (Approved Vendor / Manufacturer List)
An AVL or AML is a company's list of approved suppliers or manufacturers for a part. Here's how approved lists shape sourcing decisions.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
BOM (Bill of Materials)
A BOM is the complete list of components needed to build a product. Here's why the bill of materials is the starting point for sourcing and obsolescence work.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Contract Manufacturer (EMS)
A contract manufacturer or EMS provider builds electronic products for OEMs, often handling procurement too. Here's the role it plays in component sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf)
COTS parts are commercially available products used as-is instead of custom or military-grade ones. Here's the tradeoff COTS brings to sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Counterfeit Electronic Component
A counterfeit electronic component is a part misrepresented as to its origin or authenticity. Here's how counterfeits enter the supply chain and how to avoid them.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
Cross-Reference (Alternate Part)
A cross-reference is a functionally equivalent replacement for a component. Here's why cross-referencing is often the fastest fix for an obsolete part.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Date Code
A date code marks when a component was manufactured. Here's how date codes support traceability, shelf-life checks, and counterfeit detection.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages)
DMSMS is the loss of sources or materials for a part over a long product life. Common in defense and aerospace. Here's what it means and how to manage it.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
EOL (End of Life)
EOL, or End of Life, is a manufacturer's notice that a component will stop being produced. Here's what it means for sourcing and how to respond.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
Form, Fit, Function (FFF)
Form, fit, and function are the three criteria for judging whether a replacement part is equivalent to the original. Here's how FFF governs drop-in substitution.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Gray Market
Gray market components are genuine parts sold outside authorized channels. Here's how the gray market differs from counterfeit and what to watch for.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Independent Distributor (Broker)
An independent distributor or broker buys and sells components on the open market without manufacturer authorization. Here's the role they fill and how to vet them.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
ITAR is the US export-control regime for defense articles and technical data. Here's how it affects who can source and handle certain components.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Last-Time Buy (LTB)
A Last-Time Buy is the final order you can place on a component before production ends. Here's how the LTB window works and how to size the order.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
Lead Time
Lead time is the interval between placing an order and receiving the parts. Here's what drives it and why it spikes during shortages.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Lot Code
A lot code identifies the production batch a component came from. Here's how lot codes support traceability and quality control in sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
MIL-SPEC (MIL-STD)
MIL-SPEC and MIL-STD are US military specifications and standards defining performance and testing for defense parts. Here's what they mean for sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
MOQ is the smallest quantity a supplier will sell in one order. Here's how minimum order quantity affects sourcing, especially for low-volume needs.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)
An MPN is the unique identifier a manufacturer assigns to a component. Here's why the manufacturer part number is essential to accurate sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs)
NRND means a manufacturer is phasing out a component: still available, but not for new designs. Here's what the status signals and how to react.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
OCM (Original Component Manufacturer)
An OCM is the company that actually manufactures a component, such as a semiconductor or connector maker. Here's how it differs from an OEM and a distributor.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
An OEM is the company that designs and makes an end product, integrating components from many suppliers. Here's the term's role in component sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
PCN (Product Change Notification)
A PCN is a manufacturer's formal notice of a change to a component, from a process tweak to discontinuation. Here's what PCNs cover and why to track them.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
REACH is the EU regulation governing chemical substances in products, including electronics. Here's how it relates to RoHS and to component sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 2 min read
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
RoHS is an EU directive restricting hazardous substances like lead in electronics. Here's what it covers and why it matters for component sourcing.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Second Source
A second source is an alternative qualified supplier or manufacturer for a part. Here's why second sourcing protects against shortages and single-supplier risk.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Surplus (Excess) Inventory
Surplus or excess inventory is unused component stock a company sells off. Here's where it comes from and why it matters for sourcing hard-to-find parts.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read
Traceability
Traceability is the ability to trace a component's origin and history through the supply chain. Here's why it's central to quality and counterfeit avoidance.
2026-07-02 · 1 min read