Acer unveils final configuration centre

Multinational PC brand, Acer, has announced the opening of a South African final configuration centre for its PC and server product ranges. In co-operation with Acer value-added distributor (VAR), Tarsus Technologies (Pty) Ltd, the new company will trade as Tarsus (Pty) Ltd.

"Acer has been searching for a local company to assist with the final assembly of our PCs in SA and Tarsus meets our criteria for a preferred partner," says David Drummond, MD of Acer.

"Tarsus has over the past two years performed a number of complex technical roll-outs nationwide for Acer. The company`s enterprise resource management (ERP) and shop floor control systems satisfy the quality control standards required for a multinational brand. The management team offers us years of PC engineering and configuration experience yet has been open to implementing our preferred methodologies for qualification, configuration and testing of units. Most importantly they share our values in terms of quality."

Drummond adds that Acer`s decision to assemble its computers locally is in line with current practice in the global supply chain.

"For an international vendor to be successful, optimisation of the supply chain is everything. What determines our success is cost, speed and quality of the supply chain, as well as after sales service to the customer. By moving the point of final configuration closer to the customer, Acer increases its flexibility and decreases its obsolescence and freight costs. The customer wins through improved time to market and competitive pricing while maintaining the benefits of purchasing a branded product," he says.

"With extensive testing of units and quality assurance built into the process, we are able to ensure that the product quality matches that of Acer`s other production facilities worldwide."

The facility has been extensively audited and approved by both Microsoft and Acer for the process of final configuration.

Guy Whitcroft, MD of Tarsus Technologies, says the final configuration centre will boost both companies` empowerment credentials by utilising local resources and staff. The local content component will also mean more effective pricing.

"We look forward to a continued strengthening in our long-term relationship with Acer. The company`s products have been very well received in the market and we are confident the brand will maintain its broad market appeal. Our goal is to build on our reputation as market leaders and grow product penetration in the South African market," he concludes.