February 11, 2009 Version 1.1
Solution Integration
Services (SIS)
Outsourcing Empowers Business
Author: Catherine.Ni
ABC is an access and ticketing system provider based in Italy. To build a competitive automated ticketing system, ABC needed a reliable computing platform to serve as the core of their system. A complete automated ticketing system consists of many components and integrated technologies. ABC was also interested in developing ticketing software to accompany the hardware system. To speed up product development, ABC decided to outsource the computing platform portion of their system to Advantech. Choosing Advantech as their hardware provider enabled ABC to focus their R&D resources on developing ticketing-relevant technology, thus increasing their core competence. This example scenario depicts a common situation among many for which Advantech provides solutions.
Strategic Outsourcing: Shortcut to Business Growth
Time-to-market has become a critical element for companies to gain market share. Another crucial factor when determining product development time is the ability to implement strategic outsourcing. Successful strategic outsourcing can effectively bring the product to the market more efficiently, while ineffective outsourcing may produce drastic results. The key to accelerating development and freeing up valuable resources is choosing the right outsourcing partner.
The majority of systems integrators are regionally-based due to language and cultural barriers that vertical applications often experience. Due to this market characteristic, system integrators are generally small to medium enterprises and tend to have fewer resources. In critical times, such as when the economy slows down, a company that makes the best use of what it already has to develop a long-term core competence may not only survive, but also excel where others might fail.
Recent years have shown an increasing market trend of system integrators seeking total system solutions in order to bring their products to market on time. Faced with limited resources and budgets in this time of recessions and pressures of cost reduction, the appeal of outsourcing is that it not only can serve as a way to reduce cost, but provides other benefits as well.
Outsourcing and cooperating with system solution providers can save valuable R&D time and costs, in addition to making your valuable human resources more available to focus on business applications and opportunities.
Choosing the Optimal Outsourcing Partner
The main objective for seeking an outsourcing partner is to integrate the technology, expertise, and resources of the partner towards accomplishing a goal within an optimum time frame and budget. It is usually preferable that the outsourcing partner is capable of delivery through a local service team, which makes communications simpler and more efficient.
Cooperating with the right outsourcing partner can be quite advantageous. The key is in choosing the most suitable outsourcing partner. Following are some points to consider for the search:
handle sophisticated project details and communicate with you in a professional manner?
• Does the partner follow a world-class quality assurance system and will help you verify the quality of your complete system?
• Is the partner’s procurement network larger than your own? If so, there is potential to save on component costs, as well as enjoy hassle-free one-stop shopping.
• Does the partner have its own production lines, guaranteeing stable production capacity and a smooth supply of products?
• Is a well-established global logistic network provided by the partner that could streamline logistics support for you, in addition to your customers?
• Does the partner have an established after-sales service infrastructure, including local repair services for timely support?
Advantech can satisfy these points.
Advantech Solution Integration Services (SIS)
Advantech’s mission is to continue and advance as a leading outsourcing partner for system integrators throughout the world. A series of services with varying levels of customization are either already available or can be developed to fulfill different customer requirements. From customized standard assembly and CTOS (configure-to-order services) to DTOS (design-to-order services) and SIS (solution integration services), Advantech’s service offerings extend from simple configurations, limited and major modifications, to full integration.
Advantech’s newest addition to its range of services, the SIS (System Integration Service), is even more comprehensive and thoughtful. SIS is a one-stop shopping and worry-free service that aims to provide system integrators with a total solution and with total cost reduction. Whether designing customized product solutions, manufacturing, or providing after-sales customer services, Advantech offers a total end-to-end process and application solution.
Pre-configuration services include standard board and chassis configuration. Customers also have the option to configure their own hardware devices and software setup. If standard boards or chassis are unsuitable, Advantech offers complete front-end custom design of the hardware, plus custom assembly and installation. To ensure quality, customized test programs can be written for specific product quality requirements. SIS begins with Advantech’s local design teams and technical consultation services. Starting with comprehensive product lines of standard boards and chassis, these can form the design base and be modified to become a tailor-made product. By altering existing standard products, development time and cost can be reduced substantially and
accelerate the time to market of your product. In addition, using preexisting products as a base means the product has already passed QC. Advantech has its own certified lab to conduct all product tests according to industrial standards. All Advantech products are verified thoroughly using rigid product tests to ensure their world-class level of quality. To save procurement efforts, Advantech enables one-stop shopping by offering peripheral parts such as RAM, HDD, CD/DVD-ROM, and add-on cards. Timely participation during development stages results in customized solutions and reduction of R&D cost and effort. With its own manufacturing lines located in China and Taiwan, stable capacity is ensured for production flexibility. Advantech’s well-established global operation infrastructure and logistics network include assembly lines and logistics centers in Taiwan, America, and Europe which can significantly shorten transportation lead time. Additionally, Advantech has regional service and call centers to provide timely after-sales services.
Six Reasons to Choose SIS
• Total cost reduction: With SIS customized design solutions, product development time, effort, and procurement costs are reduced.
• Customization capability: Advantech has 25 years of experience with industrial boards and chassis, plus a wide array of standard products that can be applied as a base to be customized according to specifications. Design teams located worldwide offer timely technical consultation and close communication with customers and customization capability shortens development lead time, as well as speeds up the time to market process.
• Low MOQ for chassis: With sheet metal factory alliance partners in different regions, Advantech is able to offer low chassis MOQ making tailor-made chassis more available and affordable.
• Trouble-free & reliable configuration: All Advantech products have passed standard thermal, shock, and vibration tests. Chassis internal cabling is well planned and is
hassle-free for easy assembly of devices.
• One-stop shopping: Save procurement time and effort with Advantech’s one-stop shopping service covering RAM, HDD, CD/DVD-ROM, and add-on cards.
• Program management support: Advantech has dedicated program management members in each region to provide local product support. These members can help to effectively leverage Advantech’s global resources, and help with managing the program schedule to meet the target.
Conclusion
With more than thirty sales offices around the world and local design teams in Asia, Europe, and America, Advantech is able to provide prompt technical consultation and support. Requirements and specific customizations can be fulfilled in a timely fashion. With
Advantech’s four logistics and service centers in Asia, Europe, and America, Advantech can not only assist with providing solutions, but also expanding business scopes and networks. With the Solution Integration Service (SIS), one-stop, worry-free shopping with Advantech as an outsourcing partner can empower your business.