Dell South Africa has boosted its commitment to the Dell Custom Factory Integration (CFI) department. This new focus includes a new-look CFI Web page where customers are able to request customised offerings and then track the entire process from order to delivery via this system.
According to Leigh Hancock, product-marketing manager for Dell SA, this is part of an international drive to provide tailored offerings to a variety of clients.
"The new Web page is more user-friendly than its predecessor, as well as being easier to navigate and find specialised information."
Hancock says this service is aimed at servicing a range of enterprises. "We require a minimum of 25 ordered units - a number that fits snugly into the SME sector as well as the corporate sphere."
The CFI configuration service is available on the OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks, Precision workstations and PowerEdge servers. This includes both hardware and customised software integration as well as asset data services.
The Dell factory is able to install non-Dell standard components, such as network interface cards, modems, Token Ring NICs, ATM cards as well as tape backup units.
Software image loading is an important facet of this service. Should a client request that certain images be loaded onto the server, it will be done along with other applications used in their specific environment.
"When the machine arrives on the end-user`s doorstep, they will be able to simply boot up, and the requested images and applications will be immediately accessible," says Hancock.
Once a pilot system of the requested unit is built, Dell engineers develop in-factory procedures to automate the customisation. To ensure satisfaction with the product, a single validation unit is made available to the client to test in his specific environment, prior to volume shipping taking place.
Talking about the benefits of Dell`s direct model, Hancock says that in traditional sales models a product will go from the factory to the reseller, then the integrator, from where it is passed onto the relevant IT department, and only then does it reach the end-user.
"Dell`s model allows for the product to go directly from the factory to the customer`s doorstep, with all the correct systems and applications installed."
Without the involvement of a third-party in the ordering and delivery Process, there is increased efficiency, accountability, consistency and quality. "This way there is no reopening of boxes, which ensures that the factory is accountable for what happens to the product until it is delivered to the customer," concludes Hancock.
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