Case study: Orchestrating RoHS implementation of TI~s E&PS global products

Abstract

summary form only given. With the advent of the European Union directive 2002/95/CE, restriction of hazardous substances in January 2003 manufactures of electrical and electronic equipment was faced with technical, administrative and logistical challenges. This case study compiles the lessons learned from the RoHS compliance transition of Texas Instruments' E&PS products (commonly know as the calculator division) into an operational model, which can be used world wide for future product transitions. This presentation covers several phases that comprise this operational model. The initial phase is identification of requirements that require some level of change to the products. As with any legislation, there are various interpretations of the regulation and means of implementation. The challenge is to understand the regulation as it applies to existing business, engineering, manufacturing, and logistical practices. Second, is obtaining the buy-in of affected stakeholders (engineering, sales, logistics, and suppliers). The product stewardship manager and the original analysis team understands the magnitude of changes. The other 99% of the organization must buy-in to the changes. They are the ones who develops and implements the transition plans. Suppliers must be deeply integrated into this process. Third is the development of the transition plan. The entire organization must understand the challenges associated with these changes and establish acceptable and measurable milestones. All levels of the organization's management team must have this transition as part of their key objectives, ensure resources are available, and hold the organization (including suppliers) accountable for meeting the established milestones. The last phase is implementation. This includes transitional monitoring (auditing) as product moves through the logistics organization and distribution to worldwide markets. This operational model provides the organization leadership with a guide to managing the transition of products in a global market, whither driven by regional regulations or customer specific requirements. The number of environmental regulations in the area of hazardous materials, energy efficiency, e-waste, packaging, and recycling is ever increasing. As an environmentally responsible company, the building of green products from the onset, keep products on or close to the leading edge of the green product regulation curve and reduce the need for redesign. Build Green