I have a tiny little side business making an electronic gadget. I've had to get good at substitution. Granted this is easier for me, I don't have to go through an engineering change order process, and can usually trust my gut on what's going to work. Still, it's a PITA.
Yeah it's a pain for those in the business. Thankfully it's just a hobby for me, but I've talked to professionals who were on their fourth board revision due to substitutions... can't be fun.
I feel like there’s a great opportunity here for electronic engineers with a good eye for supply chain dynamics to consult into all manner of industrial and consumer markets to assist with strategic re-engineering of their products.
