Cannibalization (parts)

The source system is usually crippled as a result, perhaps only temporarily, in order to allow the recipient device to function properly again.

Cannibalization usually occurs due to unavailability of spare parts, an emergency, long resupply times, physical distance, or insufficient planning/budget.

[1][2] This is often the case in the military, and ships and aircraft, as well as other expensive equipment that is produced in limited quantities.

Such was the case with the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, the sole survivor of a class of three ships built during the early-1960s.

One strategy used to combat DMS is to buy additional inventory during the production run of a system or part, in quantities sufficient to cover the expected number of failures.