Rugged Tablet Business Case Study
Helping our client provide state of the art vehicle control and telematics.
Case Details
Client Sector: Heavy goods vehicles
Project Duration: Ongoing
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Introduction
The client builds and manufactures commercial vehicle smart platforms that are sold globally. Some of the commercial vehicles are high value bespoke platforms that require their own dashboard interface, and cannot use conventional built in dashboard displays.
Through our Product Sourcing pillar, ESCS supply the client with a unique tablet that has the clients’ own embedded firmware so the product can be installed via simple plug and play. Some of the challenges they faced were:
- Low call-off volumes per month
- Customisation of firmware
- Technical support direct with the factory
This product has been highly successful and they now use the tablet as a handheld device for:
- Remote telemetry and diagnostics; reducing time for fault finding without having to hard wire a device
- Remote data retrieval
- Delivering OTA software updates
About our client
Founded over 60 years ago with over 20 worldwide manufacturing locations the client provides globally recognised OEMs with their electronic monitoring, control and safety device platforms for commercial vehicles.
Their original business started out providing vehicle wiring looms, and over time, the business has progressed with market demands and technology. Along with worldwide governance, safety is paramount and they are constantly navigating the latest technologies to offer the best solutions to meet their customers requirements.
Why did they need us?
Being able to provide the latest Windows-based tablet along with their own firmware has allowed ESCS to build bespoke vehicle platforms to suit our client’s needs. Our solution:
- Accounts for the latest in vehicle telematics
- Respects the Client’s drive to ensure the safety of their product
- Allows the client to monitor their product without the restrictions imposed by using a mass market platform.
- Accurately controls our incoming logistics and puts flexibility in our demand planning to respond to the needs of the client as their volume requirements change.
- Monitors and provides feedback on volatile lead-times and pricing on core critical components to ensure consistent stock cover.
Why did they choose us?
Working with ESCS allows the client to:
- Participate in developing and testing their own firmware without having to order tens of thousands of units per order and upload the firmware in-house.
- Reduce their development risks through:
- improved testing criteria to suit the client’s commercial vehicle needs and
- compliance testing,
The Client has the benefit of holding stock centrally in our Poland facility, allowing them to take regular, smaller shipments for their manuafacturing line.
Our unique ability to provide official Windows licensed product alongside the client’s own firmware with relatively low volumes has forged a strong working relationship between ESCS and the client over the last 8 years.
What solution did we create?
The client’s biggest issues were:
- Finding the right partner to help deliver a Windows-licensed tablet with their firmware and;
- The requirement for regular shipments throughout the year.
ESCS provided a dedicated program manager responsible for a wide range of tasks, from re-developing the client’s firmware for the latest Windows applications right through to executing design changes on the platform to suit the growing need for more applications.
We implemented increased product reliability testing to suit the demands that the client’s commercial vehicle platforms must endure worldwide, from freezing to desert like conditions along with everyday vibrations.
We create a global logistics program for the client, delivering stock to the needs of their production line, including direct shipments from factory as well as local stock holding in Poland.
What were the results?
Working with ESCS has allowed the client to continue to develop recording, safety and monitoring systems in a diverse world, using the latest Windows platforms to give them a product developed with the future in mind.
The reliability and useability of the product we have created with them inspires the confidence to continue developing their platforms for evolving country-specific commercial vehicle governance.
The Client trusts ESCS to provide temly information on the latest chipset and Windows platforms developments. This allows them to adapt their product strategy alongside development in the tablet market.
ESCS and the Client continue to collaborate to address changes in the supply chain or procurement process, ensuring consistent product availability and quality.
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