How We Helped Maintain Device Continuity Through Multiple Device Upgrades
CUSTOMER SINCE: 2009
DESCRIPTION: Leading Welding Equipment Manufacturer
SERVICES:
PRODUCTS:
The global leader of arc welding products and robotic welding systems has a worldwide network of manufacturing, distribution, sales and technical support covering more than 160 countries. In addition to welding equipment, their comprehensive portfolio of solutions include fume control systems, safety equipment, robotic tools and more.
The company supplies innovative solutions that increase productivity and efficiency on job sites for industries such as transportation, heavy fabrication, offshore drilling and more. Their equipment is found on job sites that often require strict regulatory standards.
Although the customer consistently streamlines internal processes, their complex inventory and supply chain requirements often dictate updates to shipping and receiving procedures. Employees need rugged equipment with robust capabilities that can perform seamlessly in harsh environments and keep up with constantly evolving internal needs.
TRG initially worked with this customer to help source and procure rugged devices and support legacy devices. Eventually, the partnership grew to also include break/fix support. Due to the success of these efforts, they turned to us again when it was time to upgrade their fleet with new devices that fit their unique needs and operating environments.
Learn how TRG supported this customer with device procurement, equipment buybacks, onsite repair services and more.
Supporting a Fleet of Legacy Devices
To support their complex operations, the customer used a fleet of legacy handheld mobile computers. Although some of these legacy devices were no longer supported by the manufacturer, TRG was able to extend the life of this equipment by providing ongoing support and repairs. When the company eventually allocated resources to do a partial upgrade, they again turned to TRG for help sourcing and procuring the new devices.
Device Procurement for Industrial Manufacturing
With equipment nearing end of life, TRG assisted the customer with the procurement and deployment of new devices. Device continuity was a priority. With this in mind, we helped the customer focus on a few select options that would best meet their needs. Panasonic quickly became the front-runner thanks to its reputation for durability and continuity.
We were able to partially offset upfront costs in several ways. Our equipment buyback program earned the customer credit on their account and ensured that end-of-life devices were properly disposed of. And by leveraging our extensive network of partner and distributor relationships, we secured the best possible pricing on the new devices.
Break/Fix Support for Legacy Devices
Because they opted to complete only a partial upgrade, the customer still required support for the legacy devices remaining in service. TRG assisted with this effort, extending the life of this equipment by providing break/fix services as needed. As repairs became more frequent, however, the customer decided to put the devices under contract, which can be a more economical option for tech programs with a larger volume of repairs. This service contract is still in place today, supporting equipment that has been on the floor for more than a decade.
Streamline Workflows Across Departments
After the initial upgrade was complete, the company began exploring a number of digital transformation initiatives that could streamline other workflows. In one case, the customer receives and processes serialized assets that require strict documentation. As the enterprise evolved, they needed to upgrade their receiving processes to better support their busy receiving dock.
They originally used pen and paper, then transitioned to full-sized computers on carts. They had also tested a fully rugged laptop but found that those had a high failure rate and were discontinued by the manufacturer, so replacement wasn’t an option.
This workflow required access to their ERP system, but doing so on a small screen was a challenge. The customer needed a solution that could withstand their harsh environments and display the necessary information in an easy-to-read format. With device continuity a priority and few manufacturers offering a solution, we narrowed the focus to several Panasonic devices.
Panasonic Devices Offer Durability and Continuity
Panasonic rugged mobile computers are known for durability, which was the customer’s biggest pain point when evaluating device options. Additionally, they appreciated the 8G ram, scanner and Bluetooth features. The customer now uses Panasonic FZ-g1 ‘Big Windows’ in both their warehouse and fulfillment centers
Panasonic’s durability is rivaled only by its consistency, and a huge selling point was the continuity of Panasonic's devices. Over the course of seven years and six different versions, all equipment retained a consistent look and feel. From an IT perspective, all versions of the devices use identical configurations. All devices use the same accessories across all versions, relieving the customer from any additional costs to replace charging cables, protective cases or cradles - or the cost to maintain and manage those components across the various versions.
Planning for Future Equipment Upgrades
Looking ahead, the customer plans to upgrade another round of devices. As their enterprise mobility partner, we will establish a pilot program to test devices before making an investment. As users provide feedback, we can work collaboratively to understand which device is the best fit for the application and adjust settings to optimize the user experience.
Find a Partner with a Comprehensive Breadth of Services
For nearly 20 years, TRG has provided the customer with a range of enterprise-level services. What started with help sourcing and procuring devices eventually led to a service contract and several equipment upgrades - serving as a one-stop-shop for all device management throughout the entire lifecycle. Our breadth of services has allowed the customer to support their operations on multiple fronts with only having to make one phone call. With a trusted support team on their bench, they’ve avoided the hassle of hiring or training additional staff while still meeting the demands of a global enterprise.
Interested in seeing how TRG can help streamline operations and improve efficiencies in your warehouse?
Contact us today to get in touch with our team.
ABOUT TRG
TRG is a global managed solutions provider focused on mobility, point of sale and payments. With facilities across the United States, Canada and Europe, we provide the most comprehensive suite of lifecycle management services – from warehouse to boardroom and deployment to retirement. Our mission is to Make Technology Simple, helping customers accelerate projects, drive application success, improve employee/customer experience and maximize ROI. We’re relentless in our drive to find innovative, effective ways to enhance customer operations and challenge conventional thinking along the way.