Archive | January, 2013

Importance of Systems Integration and CTO Services

24 Jan

Systems integration and Configure to Order services is a necessity in today’s age where electromobility, energy efficiency and technological advancements play a significant role in determining the kind of products to be manufactured. Let’s understand the two terms before going further into the topic.

Systems Integration

Wikipedia defines Systems Integrations “the bringing together of the component subsystems into one system and ensuring that the subsystems function together as a system.” In systems integration often existing disparate systems are integrated. Since it is the interaction between subsystems, systems integration can be considered as adding value or capabilities to a system. Though carried out wholly or partially, systems integration helps in bringing together different subsystems performing different functions.

Configure to Order

Configure-To-Order (CTO) is “a method of manufacturing which allows the service provider or the client to select a base product and configure all the variable parameters associated with that product.”

Systems Integration and CTO service providers have modeled their services after some of the most successful systems in the electronics industry. They have extensive experience and expertise in handling 1-to-1 configuration, low-volume high-mix, or high-volume low-mix orders, which the customers can securely monitor and manage the manufacturing process online in real-time. Since they can accommodate various production approaches, including KanBan, Min/Max, VMI (vendor managed inventory), or multiple modules designed to fit together seamlessly, they are able to provide a tailor-made program that meets customer needs. Here is a look at some of the integrated supply chain system integration and configuration services that they provide.

  • System Integration, Assembly and Test (build-to-order or build-to-stock)
  • Turnkey Contract Manufacturing
  • Consignment Contract Manufacturing
  • On-line Management, Control, Inquiry and Reporting
  • Rack Integration services

Their rack and stack integration services especially data center rack integration services involve integration of as few as ten servers into each rack, or build out a 1,000-server super computing cluster. They can configure, build, install, deliver, and provide functional testing to provide their customers with seamless deployment of large-scale cloud-based solutions. They can offer network interface configuration & testing, campus installation & on-site professional services, functional testing, cable management and custom detail labeling. The following is a list of the key components of a leading data center rack integration solution provider.

  • Material planning and procurement
  • Network cabling, server components, customer supplied materials or a mixed model
  • Extensive, automated information captured including asset id’s, MAC addresses, and serial numbers
  • Complete rack integration, imaging and testing
  • Direct access to  ultra-strong, ultra-light rack lineup

Thus, partnering with such supply chain solutionproviders provides a respite for enterprises struggling with systems integration and CTO issues.

Other Links – data center integration

Excellent Supply Base Management Solution Infos.

10 Jan

In any in a dynamic market, effective supply chain management is of top priority. With its significance to business growth being emphasized time and again, it is the one that can give companies the much-needed edge over their competitors. Supply chain management includes the planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities with the goal of building a competitive infrastructure, synchronizing supply with demand.

Until recently, most companies were keen on improving their supply chain performance, but always encountered difficulties due to issues associated with the supply base. Playing a crucial role in the enterprise, supply base management is a systematic, holistic, strategic approach to planning, developing, and managing the supplier base. It not only helps enhances global supply chain liquidity and helps maintain a record but also allows the identification of new suppliers, evaluation of existing suppliers, improvement  supplier performance and supplier portfolio.

The importance of robust supply base management under demand uncertainty requires an understanding of the benefits associated with a contractor having an optimal number of suppliers. Effective supply base management measures and develops supplier performance in a proactive way by mixing and collaborating tools, thereby reducing the risk and while also ensuring that the suppliers are in the best in class.

There are a lot of criteria used by leading companies to screen suppliers for business. Companies reduce their supplier bases to reduce costs and forge closer relationships with the remaining preferred suppliers to share cost savings, who usually increase business volumes in exchange for lower unit pricing. This results in lower total costs and inventories, improved working capital and better products. The key benefit is a reduction in a contractor’s total cost of supply base management. However, few supplier-optimizing models incorporate the perspectives of both demand uncertainty and supply base management costs.

The supply base managementsolution that you choose must be able to abreast of market changes and respond rapidly with new options and offer full access to inventory levels. It must also provide

·   Material Planning and Procurement

·   Domestic and Offshore Sourcing

·   Turnkey and Consigned Materials

·   Supplier Qualification and Certification

·   Vendor Managed Inventory

·   Ken Ban and other models

·   Full Materials Lifecycle Management

Most companies evaluate suppliers through certification, audits and other reviews prior to entering into partnerships or any business arrangements. Look for a scalable and flexible global supply chain can help to decrease costs and can make certain that insufficient resources are used to their most advantageous limit.

Learn more about : Rack and stack