Conquering the challenges of mass global production

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Computing

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Discrete Manufacturing

Use Cases

Manufacturing System Automation

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
Hardware Design & Engineering Services

The Challenge

The cloud industry is experiencing significant growth, and keeping pace with infrastructure build-out demands is a major challenge. A leading cloud service provider was in need of a partner to design and manufacture high-quality motherboards on a massive scale. The size of the project left no room for error. Even the smallest errors could result in delayed deployment and increased total cost of ownership (TCO). The customer needed an attentive partner they could trust with their design-led manufacturing. They also needed to navigate unplanned obstacles such as sourcing issues and the impact of tariffs, and hit their cost and schedule targets.

About The Customer

The customer is a leading cloud service provider. They are in the business of providing cloud services on a global scale. The customer was looking for a partner to design and manufacture high-quality motherboards on a massive scale. The customer needed a partner who could handle the design-led manufacturing of their product, navigate unplanned obstacles such as sourcing issues and the impact of tariffs, and hit their cost and schedule targets. The customer also needed a partner who could handle a massive shift in production due to changes in the tax and trade landscape.

The Solution

The solution involved transforming the beginnings of a server motherboard design into a complex product produced at scale. The customer needed a partner with a deep knowledge of server design and the ability to successfully move that design into production. The design center in Taiwan has extensive experience with the latest processor technology elements of the motherboard. The design for manufacturability expertise virtually guaranteed a smooth transition to production. The transition was made even smoother thanks to the close proximity and working relationship between the design center and the production facility. The solution also involved managing the customer's regional strategy and execution in response to changes in the tax and trade landscape. The manufacturing process was adapted to address constantly evolving demand. The project's success relied heavily on building the supply chain, and maintaining high yields.

Operational Impact

The customer had a solution with a flexible supply chain, based on the latest technology, delivered on schedule and designed to scale.
The customer was able to manage their regional strategy and execution in response to changes in the tax and trade landscape.
The manufacturing process was adapted to address constantly evolving demand.

Quantitative Benefit

Within nine months of the project’s start, hundreds of thousands of motherboards were delivered.
Managed to shift production to another site in only three months.