Merchants SA has standardised on Dell desktops for its entire operation. With an agent capacity of 350, Merchants opted the Dell way due to a need for reliable and stable products.
"Currently we use about 150 Dell OptiPlex desktops across our various divisions, but as the operation expands we intend to acquire additional systems," says Adam Craker, MD of Merchants SA.
Merchants SA was the first local company to launch an Interactive-Media centre featuring the integration of voice, fax, e-mail and Web capabilities. Craker says: "As an outsourcing company, our computerised equipment must deliver optimum uptime in order for us to be efficient at our job, meaning that a reliable desktop experience is essential."
The choice to standardise on Dell involved considerations such as quality, support and general backup. According to Anton Kohler, IT manager at Merchants SA, the technical support provided by Dell has been excellent.
"We have a next-business-day agreement with Dell and most of our queries are solved telephonically, however should we require technical assistance, they typically have our hardware functioning within 24 hours."
Due to Dell`s direct sales model, Merchants is able to order custom-made products that are delivered directly to their site within approximately 14 working days. Kohler is fast to point out that delivery has always taken place ahead of schedule.
"Our build-to-order model allows us to offer the latest, industry standard technology at the best possible price, customised at time of manufacture exactly to our customer`s requirements. Unlike other manufacturers who build to inventory, we never find ourselves needing to push potentially obsolete stock that might not be exactly what a customer wants," explains Christopher Bray, sales marketing manager for Dell SA. "And because you`re dealing directly with the manufacturer, there is no reseller mark-up, and no one touches the systems before they arrive on the customer`s doorstep.
This allows us to consistently offer great pricing and some of the highest reliability figures in the industry."
"The pricing structure that Dell offer is very competitive," adds Craker. "Dell is our preferred choice due to a variety of benefits that enhance our working experience and further ensure top quality service to our clients."
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