A last-time buy (LTB) is the final chance to purchase a part after a discontinuation notice. The quantity should balance future demand, inventory costs and working capital.
Start from the notice
Read the product change notice for the last order and last shipment dates, and confirm whether a recommended replacement exists.
Estimate remaining demand
Combine forecast builds, service and repair needs, and expected scrap. Agree the assumptions with engineering and finance.
Plan storage
Long-term storage needs controlled humidity, ESD-safe packaging and periodic checks of solderability-sensitive parts.
Evaluate replacement components
Even after an LTB, start qualifying an alternate so the product is not tied to a finite stock.