Background
Faced with global supply chain volatility and the urgent need to scale production for intelligent robotics systems, a fast-growing automation company sought alternatives to its existing industrial computing vendor. After a recommendation from an industry peer, the company turned to Premio, a U.S.-based supplier known for reliable lead times, local support, and rugged industrial computing solutions.
The Company
A leading AI-driven robotics company specializing in automated warehouse and fulfillment solutions was experiencing rapid growth and increased customer demand. Their core technologies focused on robotic vision, AI-based control, and machine learning systems that streamline warehouse operations through automation. These innovations required industrial-grade computing platforms that could support high-performance processing, edge intelligence, and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. However, their ability to scale and deploy solutions was hindered by unreliable hardware supply chains and procurement roadblocks.
The Challenge
The company faced a series of challenges with their existing industrial computing vendor. Prolonged lead times routinely disrupted their production timelines, delaying deployments and jeopardizing customer satisfaction. One major incident involved a shipment of industrial computers getting stuck at customs, halting an entire deployment and highlighting the risks associated with overseas sourcing. These delays were not only costly but also eroded internal confidence in the supply chain. The company needed a new supplier—preferably domestic—with faster lead times, local support, and high-quality products that could meet their rigorous specifications without extensive reconfiguration.
The Solution
The search for a new industrial computing partner led the company to Premio through a referral. With a local presence and reputation for quick turnaround time, Premio quickly became the preferred choice. After evaluating their product offerings, the company identified the KCO Series—specifically the KCO-3000-RPL—as a perfect match for its application needs. Premio’s team was able to demonstrate that the KCO-3000-RPL met all necessary performance, compatibility, and mechanical requirements with minimal need for system redesign.
Premio’s KCO-3000-RPL
The KCO-3000-RPL is a semi-rugged industrial computer designed for demanding edge AI workloads. It supports Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors, and the company chose to run it with an Intel Core i9-13900 CPU for its high core count and advanced processing capabilities. Additionally, the system was configured with an NVIDIA RTX 4000 ADA GPU, delivering the parallel computing power needed to run advanced AI algorithms and real-time robotic vision applications. The combination of CPU and GPU in a compact, fanless, and industrial-grade chassis enabled seamless deployment into their robotics platforms without compromising thermal or mechanical stability.
Key Features:
- Powerful Multi-Core Intel® P&E Cores Technology
- 3U Rackmount Form Factor with Micro ATX Motherboard
- Rich, High-Speed I/O Ports
- High Performance with Low Latency PCIe Gen 5
However, the most crucial detail for the company was that Premio had all key components in stock and ready for deployment, which eliminated the long lead times and logistical hurdles that had plagued previous procurement efforts. This allowed the company to resume production quickly, reduce inventory wait times, and deliver their automation systems to clients on schedule.
The Benefits
Premio's KCO Series delivered a range of strategic advantages that helped transform the company’s operational processes. By transitioning to Premio's KCO Series, the company achieved:
- Reduced Lead Times: Premio's local inventory and streamlined fulfillment drastically shortened delivery windows, allowing for faster deployment and reduced system downtime.
- Improved Operational Agility: With reliable access to computing units, the company could more easily respond to customer demand and scale their operations without supply chain bottlenecks.
- Minimized Risk: By partnering with a local supplier, the company eliminated the risk of customs delays and unpredictable shipping complications.
- Cost Efficiency: Premio offered competitive pricing without sacrificing performance or reliability, supporting better cost control across projects.
- Seamless Integration: The KCO Series retrofitted effortlessly into the company’s robotic systems, preserving design integrity while enhancing system performance.
- Reliable Local Support: Ongoing technical guidance and responsive service from Premio helped the company maintain confidence in its hardware choices and plan long-term growth.
- Scalability: With a dependable supply chain and proven product performance, the company could confidently expand its deployments and meet growing market demand.
Through this strategic shift, the company strengthened its operational resilience, enabling them to focus on scaling their AI-driven robotics solutions without supply chain bottlenecks. Premio's commitment to rapid delivery and product reliability positioned them as a long-term partner in the company’s continued growth.