Format Obsolescence
Why it matters
Format obsolescence is a primary threat to digital continuity in long-lifecycle industries. CAD files, simulation models, and product data stored in formats from 15–20 years ago may be unreadable today, creating gaps in the product history that cannot be reconstructed.
External References
This term appears in
Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Format Obsolescence.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/format-obsolescence