Introduction
In the high-stakes world of security inspection technology, reliable computing systems are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring safety. Any downtime or system failure can lead to severe consequences, from disrupted operations to compromised security. So, when a company was facing an issue with their computers in their security equipment, it was imperative they find the right partner to address their concerns.
The Company
As a global leader in scanning technology, this company provides state-of-the-art security screening equipment for airports, cargo inspection, and people screening all over the world. This case study explores how this global provider of security inspection technology overcame significant challenges with their previous system integrator by partnering with a trusted rugged computing solutions provider. Together, they developed a more robust, reliable, and scalable computing solution that not only resolved immediate issues but also laid the groundwork for long-term success for now over 20+ years of strong partnership.
The Challenge
- Significant quality issues with previous system integrator
- Design flaws in original BOM impacting performance and reliability
- Components not optimized for industrial and rugged environments
- Strict Transportation Security Administration requirements and long product lifecycles.
The Solution
- Quality assurance process to meet industry standards
- Premio’s 4U Industrial Computer with industrial grade design and components
- Optimized BOM and product lifecycle management
The Benefits
- Long term partnership of 20+ years
- Enhanced reliability and performance
- Local proximity lowering costs and logistical stress.
- Managed product longevity
- Premio’s dedicated engineering and sales team to provide expertise to meet all customer requirements.
- Industrial Computer became the foundation for Premio’s KCO Series.
The Challenge
The biggest issue that the company faced was with quality. The existing computer systems did not meet their reliability standards, leading to frequent failures, operational disruptions, and increased maintenance costs. Beyond reliability, their systems needed to adhere to TSA requirements for long embedded lifecycles and strict locked BOM (Bill of Materials) control, adding further complexity to the challenge. These failures not only impacted productivity but also posed risks to the critical security operations the company supports.
Upon deciding to seek a new solution, the company’s attention was brought towards Premio through a mutual representative. After connecting, they found that Premio would be able to not only build their industrial computer but provide the quality assurance necessary to maintain the integrity and functionality of the computer.
However, during the initial review, Premio quickly discovered that quality was not the only issue. Premio’s engineering team discovered multiple design flaws in the original bill of materials. These issues were significantly impacting the overall system’s performance, reliability and overall longevity.
The original system’s bill of material (BOM) contained components that were not optimized for rugged environments, leading to premature wear and tear. Additionally, the design lacked scalability, making it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving technological needs.
To address these challenges, the Premio team quickly worked to develop a new computing solution that would address these design flaws.
The Solution
Premio designed and engineered a 4U industrial computer that adhered closely to the company’s original specifications, while significantly improving the overall design and build quality. This solution addressed all the issues identified in the original system, resulting in a more robust and scalable product. The new computer was constructed with industrial-grade components capable of withstanding harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, vibration, dust, and humidity. This rugged build significantly enhanced system reliability and reduced the frequency of failures.
Premio’s engineering team optimized the BOM by replacing substandard components with high-quality, ruggedized alternatives. This ensured the computer could perform reliably in demanding environments and minimized premature wear and tear. The new design maintained the same processing power and performance levels as the original system. By optimizing thermal management and component placement, Premio ensured the system could operate consistently even under heavy workloads.
Premio’s approach to lifecycle management ensured that critical components could be easily replaced or upgraded when they reached End-of-Life (EOL). This commitment to longevity reduced the need for costly replacements and kept the systems operational for extended periods.
The versatility of the design also laid the foundation for a scalable series of computing solutions. The 4U industrial computer became the foundation for Premio’s KCO Series, a line of ruggedized computing solutions designed specifically for industrial and security applications. The KCO Series retained the core design principles of durability, scalability, and performance, offering a comprehensive platform that could be customized to meet evolving industry needs.
Through close collaboration and engineering expertise, Premio delivered a computing solution that not only resolved the company’s immediate quality issues but also provided a reliable and strategic platform for long-term success. The collaborative approach and deep understanding of rugged computing requirements resulted in a solution that exceeded expectations.
The Benefits
The partnership with Premio delivered numerous long-term advantages that extended beyond solving immediate quality issues. With the improvements made to the company’s solution, it established a strong, long-lasting relationship that has evolved to 20+ years of partnership. This partnership ensures that they have access to cutting-edge computing solutions that meet their evolving needs. The new ruggedized computing solution significantly reduced system failures and maintenance requirements, which led to improved operational efficiency and a lower total cost of ownership.
Localized Support
Premio’s strategic location in the city of Industry, CA proved to be a considerable advantage, providing enhanced localized support that resulted in significantly lower lead times. This proximity not only reduced costs but also ensured rapid response times for technical support, minimizing any potential downtime for their OEM system builds. In addition, Premio’s proximity also facilitated effective communication, establishing a strong and collaborative business relationship. The ease of interaction established a strong and collaborative cadence, which was essential for swiftly addressing any ongoing issues and planning future projects.
Dedicated Engineering and Sales Team
Premio’s commitment to lifecycle management ensured that critical components could be easily upgraded or replaced when they reached EOL. This approach extended the longevity of the systems, reduced downtime, and minimized the need for expensive replacements.
Through their collaboration with the computing provider, the company not only resolved their immediate quality issues but also gained a strategic partner capable of delivering high-performance, ruggedized computing solutions for years to come. This partnership has enabled the company to maintain their leadership in security inspection technology, ensuring they continue to meet the rigorous demands of their industry.