Embedded systems - sometimes referred to as embedded processors - are computer chip based sub-systems built into many electronic devices. Concern has been growing that many of these have date functions build into them, which may fail when dates change from 19xx t o20xx formats.

It is important to recognize that this risk may not depend upon whether the particular device has any explicit date-dependent functions to perform in the particular device concerned. As just one example, a major international burglar alarm supplier has estimated that approximately 20% of the alarm systems which it has supplied and which are still in use will suffer problems of greater or lesser severity at the date change.

The very breadth of the embedded systems exposure makes it difficult to address. Companies will need to undertake a general risk assessment to identify the areas where greatest risk to operations and public or employees' safety may arise.

Where possible, this will mean obtaining unequivocal statements of the position from the suppliers of devices concerned. Where this proves impossible for any reason, the key alternatives are likely to be to bring forward planned replacements/upgrades, or to put in place manual contingency work-arounds to cope in the event that devices fail around the date change.

The following checklist of device types which might be affected is not, and cannot be, exhaustive :

Updated : Tuesday November 28, 2000 14:54