selecting and working with a systems integrator
TRANSCRIPT
IMTS 2014
Tim JagerSelecting and Working witha Systems Integrator
Presenter InfoTim Jager, PEProject Director, Sr. Management
Joined DMC in 1999
B.S. in Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Illinois.
Licensed Professional Engineer – Control Systems
TIM JAGER
DMC Company Profile
Industries Served:
AutomotiveChemical and Food ProcessingElectronicsHydraulicsLaboratory TestingMachine Tool
Material HandlingMetal ConvertingPackagingPharmaceuticalPrinting & TextilesSemiconductorMedical
Established in 1996, offices in Chicago, Boston & Denver & customers throughout
the worldemployees &
growing
70+
Areas of Expertise
MANUFACTURINGAUTOMATION & INTELLIGENCE
PLC Programming
Motion Control Engineering &Servo Systems
HMI & SCADA Expertise
Intelligent Data& Web BasedSystems
Vision Inspection Expertise
Robotics
TEST & MEASUREMENT AUTOMATION
NI FPGA
LabVIEW Development
Test Stand Design
Machine Vision
Data Analysis & Reporting
NI Real-Time
CUSTOM SOFTWARE& HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
PC Application Development
Product Development
Web Application, MobileApp Development
Embedded Design & Programming
SDK, API & Driver Development
Database Systems
MICROSOFT CONSULTING SERVICES
10 10
5
5
INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATIONS
System Integrator (SI):Brings together component
subsystems into a whole…..and ensures those subsystems function
together
Why
Agenda1. When to use a Systems Integrator
2. Selecting a Systems Integrator….and Some Alternatives
3. Dos & Don’t of a successful SI relationship
When to use a Systems
Integrator?
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen you want to Focus on your core:
Competency
Strengths
Beliefs
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen you need expertise…
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen the end customer specifies a different PLC platform
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen you need an influx of new ideas
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen you need a jump start
When to use a Systems IntegratorShort-term Help
Tim, you did a Great Job!
Now Get Out!
When to use a Systems IntegratorWhen you’re in an Emergency….
…And You need a problem solver
Selecting a Systems Integrator
Selecting a Systems Integrator
Firm Stability
Selecting a Systems Integrator
Firm Stability
Selecting a Systems IntegratorFirm size
• Too big?• Too small?
Hardware vs. Software
• Too hard?• Too soft?
How busy are they?• Too Hot?• Too Cold?…Think
Goldilocks & The 3 Bears
Selecting a System Integrator Technology Expertise vs. Industry Experience
Selecting a System Integrator
Technology Expertise
Industry Experienc
e
VS.
Selecting a System Integrator
Can Do vs.
Have Done
Can Do VS. Have Done
Selecting a System Integrator
CertificationsSelecting a System Integrator
Reference Checks
Selecting a System Integrator
Listen to questions asked by potential SI
Selecting a System Integrator
Plays well with others
Selecting a System Integrator
Identify their commercial interests
Selecting a System Integrator
Transparency?Open-door policy?
Selecting a System Integrator
Alternatives
Freelancers & Technical Staffing Agencies
Alternatives
Freelancers?
Alternatives
Remember: There will always be a cheaper option…… but you get what you pay for.
Alternatives
Hire your own!
Alternatives
Dos & Don’ts for a successfulSI Relationship
Do –A starter project
Do’s & Don’tsDos & Don’ts
Dos & Don’ts
Do -Communicate!
Do - Add your own expertise.
Dos & Don’ts
Do - Be Realistic
Dos & Don’ts
Do – Predict Failure
Dos & Don’ts
Dos & Don’ts
Don’t - Assume your integrator will be ready for you anytime you call.
Do – Be Specific… Or you may get what you asked for
Dos & Don’ts
Don’t - Expect software to fix hardware problems.
Dos & Don’ts
Do – Discuss and Understand the SI’s software licensing policies.
Dos & Don’ts
Do - Learn from the Integrator
Dos & Don’ts
Don’t- Ignore an over-budget situation
Dos & Don’ts
Don’t- Ship early.
Hey Boss, the system just made its first part!
Ship it!
Dos & Don’ts
Do- Weigh cost options
Price Spec Flexibility Risk
Fixed-Bid
Guaranteed Rigid System
IntegratorHourly Variable Fluid Customer
Dos & Don’ts
Do- Negotiate
Dos & Don’ts
Questions?
312-428-4135Feel free to call me