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Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

(16) Commitments and Contingencies

Product Replacement Program

In April 2013, tests conducted by the Company revealed that one of its suppliers had been using a non-conforming part in power supplies for certain models of AstroNova’s Test & Measurement printers. No malfunctions have been reported by customers as a result of the non-conforming material.

Upon identifying this issue, AstroNova immediately suspended production of the printers, notified all customers and contacted the supplier who confirmed the problem. AstroNova is continuing to work with its customers to replace the non-conforming material on existing printers with conforming material. The estimated costs associated with the replacement program were $672,000, which was based upon the number of printers shipped during the period the non-conforming material was used. Those estimated costs were recognized and recorded as a reserve in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Since fiscal 2014, the Company has expended a total of $406,000 in replacement costs which have been charged against this reserve. The remaining reserve amount of $266,000 is included in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet dated April 30, 2016.

Since the supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications, in January 2014, AstroNova received a non-refundable $450,000 settlement from the supplier for recovery of the costs and expense associated with this issue. In addition to this cash settlement, the Company is receiving lower product prices from the supplier through fiscal 2017.