Are third party suppliers backlogged?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Electric Utilities and Y2K : One Thread

As I understand it, the utility companies are dependent upon third party suppliers (manufacterers) for the hardware items (switches, valves, widgets) needed to replace their noncomplient hardware i.e. imbedded systems. Does anyone know what the present backlog is with these anonymous suppliers? Will they be able to deliver in time? Isn't there a finite capacity in the manufacture of these mysterious "embedded systems" I keep reading about. I'm sure the supply isn't unlimited. Surely there is some similarity between electrical generating plants. Can't it be assumed we'll be needing a whole lot of model no. xyQ controllers... and anticipate the demand. Has anyone calculated "We need 4 zillion widgets... we can make 5,000 a day... hmmm... we have 300 days left .... hmmmmm... we'll be about a zillion widgets short." Am I being naive?

It would also seem to me that we don't have 400 days left in which to order and take delivery on replacement equipment. A device must be delivered in time to be installed and tested. Does this mean we really only have 300 days? 200? 100???

-- Anonymous, November 30, 1998

Answers

Mike, if you scroll down the question page on this site to the section on Embedded Controls, the second question there is "Front Page Lead Y2K story..." That question and the comments after it address some of what you're concerned with. There's part of an article by Roleigh Martin there, too, in which he presents similar concerns to yours.

Best wishes to you!

-- Anonymous, November 30, 1998


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