Supplier evaluation processes based on modern aircraft upgrade project schedules may be pressuring smaller players within the avionics bus interface component market. Historically willing to give suppliers more leeway in regards to long qualification periods for certain types of MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC equipment, aerospace procurement teams now seem to demand higher levels of prior certification in order to minimize risks of costly delays or other integration-related issues.
That trend may be related to the way in which modernization projects are currently evolving in many aircraft applications. With a growing number of upgrades focused on multiple sub-systems rather than individual pieces of hardware, any problem with scheduling can cause additional hold-ups across several components at the same time. For instance, an upgrade to a certain control unit can be affected by a timing conflict within another part of the system, which makes validated interoperability between different hardware components essential for successful integration of any newly developed products.
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As a consequence, aerospace buyers now appear to be putting additional emphasis on the supplier's capacity to provide fully validated components with extensive testing experience rather than focusing solely on customizability and pricing flexibility. Buyers are looking for hardware components that meet all the environmental and certification requirements in advance, which is something that smaller suppliers can find challenging to provide.
That trend may be changing the dynamics of supplier evaluation within both aerospace and defense markets. Discussions of the potential product's interface compatibility and functionality are occurring much earlier in the procurement process because interface compatibility and compatibility-related testing problems can no longer be viewed as acceptable risks. While certain interface components may make up just a small part of the budget, they can significantly impact integration and software testing phases, not to mention mission computer validation.
A growing number of suppliers in the commercial off-the-shelf avionics bus interface market appear to address that trend by offering lifecycle-based product solutions. The reason why they do it may lie within the buyer demand. Since aircraft projects often span for many years or even decades, reliable long-term sources of spare parts are becoming increasingly important.
Other common concerns include the ability to support mixed standard environments and product lifecycle flexibility. Although many aircraft continue using the MIL-STD-1553 standard, modernized ones also utilize the ARINC interface alongside with Ethernet networks. In such cases, it is crucial for a supplier to be able to support such mixed environments without forcing the customer to undertake significant re-design activities.
Additionally, suppliers capable of providing extensive documentation can benefit from their products' better compatibility with aerospace procurement regulations. Traceability in regards to testing procedures, firmware revisions and other aspects can be an important criterion when choosing a supplier in government projects or other defense contracts. Again, it does not mean that smaller suppliers cannot enter this market, but they should still be able to provide extensive documentation and support.
Buyers' expectations in relation to price are still strong, especially for multi-aircraft modernization projects. Nonetheless, discussion focus is shifting towards issues of integration safety and schedule reliability.
