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Corporate Backgrounder PDF (4.6MB)

Policies:
Environmental Policies
Privacy Policies

Custom Solutions:
Customized Remote Monitoring
Custom Requests Builds Product Line


“Through the use of Asentria’s SNMP-Link, we can now remotely survey our entire network, including our security, power and alarm equipment. Their products are seamlessly integrated into our network, and help us avoid expensive labor and installation costs.”
Jim Wemette, Manager of Systems Engineer at Burlington Telecom

Customized 'Off-The-Shelf' Remote Monitoring


Solve Equipment Maintenance Problems With Customized OTS Remote Site Monitoring

If you have remote equipment sites to maintain and protect, you can increase network uptime with remote site monitoring devices - IF you can find equipment to monitor the specific parameters that you need.


One economical solution is to have a monitor manufacturer customize off-the-shelf (OTS) units to meet your specific needs. Here are the things to look for and steps to take when you shop for any customized OTS products:


Define your needs precisely

The first step to any solution is a proper problem definition. If you shop for a custom solution, make sure you know what you really need.


Match the scale of your needs to the supplier’s size

Don’t expect a Fortune 100 company to customize five units just for you.


Small to mid-size manufacturers are better able to customize products

Smaller companies are usually more nimble and more accommodating to customers.


Find a manufacturer with in-house software and hardware experts

If your supplier has to rely on outside contract engineering, you may not get your solution quickly.


Match the order size and timing with the manufacturing site

Offshore manufacturing may save some money, but only on the largest orders. For quick turnaround and tight quality control of custom products, you need someone building your equipment nearby - either in-house or US manufacturing.


Check supplier reputations

Ask your associates in your field or other business areas which suppliers they have dealt with and how it went. Top-notch suppliers and customizers have sterling reputations - the best of them deliver thousand-unit deals on a handshake.


Find a supplier with a reputation for quality control

Anything can go wrong on custom orders that are, by definition, outside the ordinary. Work with suppliers that solve problems before they are shipped to you.


Find a supplier with a reputation for excellent customer and technical support

If you buy a Version 1.0 (anything customized for you), you’re buying a beta. A careful manufacturer will work out most bugs, but there WILL be issues during installation and startup.


Be ready to test custom products that you order

When you receive evaluation or prototype models of custom units, TEST THEM THOROUGHLY. Put your best engineers AND a cross-section of the product’s regular users on your own test teams. Only your employees can tell you whether the units will do everything you need them to.


Find a manufacturer who builds componentized products

Using component architecture lets the supplier more quickly customize your monitoring devices by switching out components.


Work with a supplier that lets you meet directly with its engineers and product designers

Product customization will go more smoothly if you can speak directly with the people who will design your custom products, rather than with salesmen who will try to learn your needs, then try to translate them to the engineers who have to solve them.


Look for a supplier that has customized products for other buyers

Don’t be the supplier’s learning curve.


Work with a supplier with a reputation for customer satisfaction

You want suppliers that will work for YOU, not for their own bottom line.


Look for a supplier with a history of speedy custom solutions

A custom product won’t do you any good if it’s too late for your needs.


Be willing to pay for the value you receive

You are finding a business partner to engineer and build exactly the solution you need. You will save money by customizing existing products, but you still are demanding a level of expertise and service above standard OTS products.


Clarify pricing and contract terms before approving the project

Make sure you and your supplier completely understand price, delivery deadlines, shipping and payment terms BEFORE authorizing custom work. Agree on any non-recurring engineering fees, additional unit costs or minimum order size.


Be willing to let your supplier incorporate your solutions into its follow-on standard products

It helps the supplier cover additional development and engineering expenses, keeps your costs in check, and helps the entire industry improve.


And, next time you need to find a business-specific solution, you may just find it already in an OTS product.