Configuration
In the case of many products, hardware production is most cost effective in low cost locations - close to the source of component supply and where labour is relatively low cost. On the other hand, certain types of configuration are most effective when they are carried out adjacent to end customer markets. For example, SerCom has many years of experience in software configuration for a wide variety of products such as telecommunications equipment. Our clients benefit from the fact that our mySAP system has itself been configured to handle complex serial number handling and to produce the myriad of different labelling and shipping documentation variables required for a number of industries.
Hardware, which may be carrier specific or generic, is received at our warehouse. Upon material receipt, our mySAP system captures relevant serial number and other client required information. Product is securely stored until a customer order is received. Our clients have inventory visibility allowing them manage both the pull from Asian-based suppliers and the expectation of their customers.
SerCom accesses its client's internal systems to ensure latest software revision is available on our mySAP system. Upon receipt of a customer order, the hardware is pulled from inventory, unpacked and inserted in the workstation cradle for software configuration. Upon completion, the product is repacked and labelled in line with the requirements for our client's customer's delivery location. A cross-check is done automatically once product is scanned prior to shipment to ensure that the latest software is indeed on the end product. Shipping documentation is produced from mySAP to conform to customer requirements.
Our partnership with a 3PL in the USA has ensured a really efficient solution for our client because software configuration is carried out in tandem with customer order management, including shipment.
In our business one client can translate into multiple customers from an order management and shipping perspective. SerCom's IT system, processes and personnel enable the production of complex bespoke labelling and shipping documentation as part of our customer solution. Our IT department works closely with the IT resources in our client and their customer organisations to ensure rapid response to new requirements. The requirements are efficiently defined and system changes are specified and coded in a very short timescale to allow necessary testing to commence. SerCom's clients can be assured of flexibility in terms of supply chain design because we have the systems, resources and attitude to deliver.