At last, a training program to master industrial Obsolescence and Shortage!

A unique specialized Master’s program is emerging in the landscape of obsolescence and shortage management, with the contribution of Valérie OZIER, lecturer in the future POP program and expert in obsolescence management at ACTIA. In partnership with ISAE-Supméca – Higher Institute of Mechanics of Paris and the French Institute of Obsolescence, this program represents a dynamic response to today’s industrial challenges.

“Recently accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), this program offers a unique opportunity to train a new generation of experts capable of providing innovative solutions in this constantly evolving field. In a context where companies are facing growing challenges related to component obsolescence and material shortages, the launch of this specialized Master’s program is of critical importance.”
States Valérie OZIER

Who is the POP program designed for?

Valérie OZIER: “The POP program is aimed at a diverse audience, from engineers seeking career changes to professionals wishing to acquire a higher qualification in this crucial field,” explains Valérie. “The targeted roles and functions include design engineers, purchasing managers, maintenance managers, quality managers, and many others…”

How do you perceive the growing need for training and the increasing interest of young engineers in the field of obsolescence?

Valérie OZIER: “Indeed, many engineers see a growing interest in specializing in obsolescence management. It is a constantly evolving field that offers stimulating challenges and opportunities for innovation. By following the POP Master’s program, they can acquire the skills needed to become key players in obsolescence management and help ensure the sustainability of products and services in a changing industrial environment.”

This program offers career opportunities across various industrial sectors where obsolescence and shortage challenges are widespread.
Can you tell us more?

Valérie OZIER: “Companies, whether operating in sectors such as automotive with companies like ALSTOM and Valeo, aerospace with companies such as Airbus, rail with RATP and SNCF, or even process industries such as Orange and EDF, are increasingly aware of the importance of having qualified professionals in this field,” explains Valérie.

“The challenges of obsolescence affect not only their products, but also their processes and production tools. For example, in the rail sector, companies such as SNCF must deal with the obsolescence of critical components in their trains, which have operational lifespans of several decades. Similarly, in the energy sector, power plants operated by companies such as EDF face obsolescence challenges related to control and monitoring equipment, which are essential to the proper functioning of installations. Faced with this reality, it is essential for companies to have specialists capable of anticipating and effectively managing obsolescence issues.”

“But these challenges are not limited to these specific sectors,” adds Valérie. “They also affect other industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, agri-food, chemicals, heavy industry, textiles, distribution, construction, equipment manufacturing, consumer goods and energy. In each of these fields, companies must face the challenge of maintaining the sustainability of their products and processes in a constantly evolving environment, further highlighting the importance of having qualified specialists in obsolescence management.”

What do you see as the future challenges for specialists in obsolescence and shortage management?

Valérie OZIER: “The challenges we face are numerous and complex. Material shortages, environmental challenges and sovereignty issues are all major challenges we must address.

Specialists in obsolescence and shortage management must be able to adapt to a constantly evolving environment and propose innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of products and services.

Moreover, obsolescence management is not an isolated task within a company. It requires close collaboration with various internal functions such as design, development/industrialization, purchasing/supply, supply chain and quality, as well as with value chain stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. Sometimes, it is necessary to extend knowledge beyond tier-1 suppliers.

The future graduate of the POP Master’s program will need to have a very strong understanding of the market and the technologies deployed in products. They will also need to possess data analysis skills, enabling them to detect weak signals announcing upcoming obsolescence and shortages.”

Our expert also highlights the major impact of the POP Master’s program on industry

Valérie OZIER: “I am convinced that the POP Master’s program will have a significant impact on industry by training a new generation of qualified specialists. By bridging the gap between supply and demand for skilled professionals, this program will help ensure product sustainability and mitigate the societal and environmental impacts linked to obsolescence.”

We can conclude that the Specialized Master’s program in Sustainability, Obsolescence and Shortage (POP) represents a major advancement in the field of obsolescence and shortage management. The launch of this program is scheduled for September 2026, offering a unique opportunity for students and professionals to specialize in a constantly evolving field and acquire the skills needed to address obsolescence and shortage challenges across various industrial sectors.