EndofLifeKriterium

EndofLifeKriterium is a term used in lifecycle management to denote a specific criterion that triggers the formal end‑of‑life decision for a product, system, or service. The term has roots in German-speaking contexts and is used in corporate governance and asset management, though it is not part of a single universal standard. It serves as a structured basis for deciding when an asset should be retired or replaced.

A typical EndofLifeKriterium combines technical, economic, safety, and regulatory considerations. Common components include remaining technical feasibility and reliability, availability of spare parts and service, the cost of continued maintenance versus replacement, safety risks, and compliance with current laws and standards. Environmental impact, energy efficiency, and data-security implications may also be considered.

Implementation usually involves documenting the criterion in governance or asset-management policies, often with a threshold or scoring mechanism. When the EndofLifeKriterium is met, organizations plan for replacement or decommissioning, perform data migration or disposal as required, and communicate with stakeholders to coordinate the transition.

Applications span hardware and software asset management, medical devices, automotive components, industrial equipment, and public-sector procurement. In healthcare, the criterion can emphasize patient safety and regulatory support; in IT, it may signal end of security updates and vendor support.

The EndofLifeKriterium is related to the broader concept of end-of-life (EOL) but specifies the trigger used to initiate retirement planning. As a term, its usage is not universal and may vary between industries and organizations.