Force Technologies’ CEO, Karen Salmon, shares expert insights in Electronics Sourcing magazine
As global markets brace for the next wave of semiconductor disruptions, staying ahead of the obsolescence curve has never been more critical. In the latest edition of Electronics Sourcing, Force Technologies’ CEO, Karen Salmon, shares her perspective on the urgent need for resilience and trusted partnerships in the face of growing uncertainty.
The Obsolescence Challenge Is Evolving
Looking ahead to 2026, Karen notes that the real challenge isn’t identifying uncertainty, it’s predicting which pressure point will trigger the next supply chain crisis. From geopolitical instability to AI-driven design changes, workforce shortages, and cyber threats, the factors contributing to semiconductor obsolescence are more interconnected and volatile than ever.
But perhaps the biggest wildcard? Supply chain fragility. Manufacturing capacity remains tight, and political decisions can reshape global strategies overnight. As Karen explains, “That’s how devices vanish from production with little warning.”
Reliability Isn’t Optional
Organisations that rely on long-running systems built on legacy silicon are particularly at risk. When shortages hit, loyalty is tested and the temptation to chase fast, cheap alternatives can lead to poor traceability, inconsistent quality, and even counterfeit components entering critical systems.
“After more than twenty years in this industry, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeated,” says Karen. “The companies that survive and thrive are those that invest in strategic stock, strong supplier relationships, and lifecycle planning.”
Building Obsolescence Resilience
At Force Technologies, we’ve built our reputation on helping OEMs and critical infrastructure providers plan for the unexpected. Whether it’s form-fit-function engineering, early obsolescence warnings, secure lifecycle forecasting or component traceability, we focus on long-term value over short-term savings.
As Karen concludes in the article, “Resilience is everything. It’s what allows our customers to maintain continuity, compliance and confidence even when the market shifts overnight.”