When packaging goes wrong (or actually the supplier)

We have a new build underway. The subcontract company (a good quality outfit) email me to let me know that our GSM modules have arrived.

That ought to mean that a customer build can proceed; but not yet.

For the second time in recent builds the parts have arrived not in a vacuum sealed dry bag protecting the moisture sensitive parts, but in open waffle trays wrapped in bubble wrap.

Unfortunately this is not how our parts were packed
(picture from http://www.ebnonline.com/author.asp?section_id=2480&doc_id=269960)

This ought never to happen. It's easy for any distributor to get handling advice about moisture sensitive components. However it's also easy to neglect when customers order part trays or tubes. No doubt it's difficult and time consuming to re-bake or re-bag items but the potential field failure cost of using the product is far greater in both monetary and reputation terms.

Another supplier who has failed to make the grade. Very sad.

We can't use the components without at least an extended bake or replacement parts. Now the explanation to the end customer about why the build has been delayed...

GSM and wireless technology for railways and the leisure industry - consultancy

We have been busy and we have rather neglected the blog, sorry.

So what have we been busy on and why might it be interesting for you?

Over the last 12 months we have been involved in two major programmes featuring custom designs for our customers. Both these programmes are nearing the final delivery phase and will complete before the end of the year.

One has been the development of a tracking system for leisure equipment. This started simply enough as the integration of GSM, accelerometer and GPS technology into an anti-theft system. Over a 9 month development the product features were enhanced and wireless key fob capabilities, to arm and disarm the system, added.

As is often the case, as the customer understands the possibilities that our consultancy and design service offers, they seek to enhance the product. The final production units should be in the shops in December this year and we'll provide all the product details after the launch.

Track-side testing at feasibility study stage

The other big programme has been in the rail industry. It has featured a carefully graduated feasibility programme that is leading to a production ready system. The design provides telemetry information from the track-side to a remote server that can monitor the track condition.

This program will save the customer money by putting in place, preventative maintenance actions, before damaging rail and wheel wear occur. It has brought together data acquisition in an electrically noisy environment, GSM telemetry, expert systems and web based delivery of information.

We have also expanded our own range of capabilities over the last year so that now we have a wider range of engineering building blocks solutions that we can assemble to meet customer requirements. Is there a problem in your organisation that we could help you find the answer to?

Get in touch with us and talk it through, perhaps we already have most of the answers you are looking for. www.emmtek.co.uk