DMC Siemens Automation Summit: Best Practices for Selecting and Working with a Systems Integrator

Preview:

DESCRIPTION

DMC Project Manager and engineer Tim Jager discusses the dos and don'ts for end customers and OEMs of working with a solutions partner or Systems Integrator.

Citation preview

Restricted © Siemens Industry, Inc. 2014 All rights reserved. usa.siemens.com/summit

Automation SummitA User Conference - June 23 – 25, 2014

Restricted © Siemens Industry, Inc. 2014 All rights reserved. usa.siemens.com/summit

Tim JagerBest Practices for Selecting and Working with a Systems Integrator

DMC Company Profile

Industries Served:

Automotive

Chemical and Food

Processing

Electronics/Semicondu

ctor

Hydraulics

Laboratory Testing

Machine Tool

Material Handling

Metal Converting

Packaging

Pharmaceutical

Printing & Textiles

Established in 1996, offices in Chicago, Boston & Denver & customers throughout

the world

employees & growing

70+

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

Why

Solution Partner

=

Systems Integrator (Recognized by Siemens)

Agenda

1. 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!

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

Certifications

Selecting 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 will 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

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

Do - Consult the integrator before specifying hardware

Dos & Don’ts

Don’t- Jump The Gun!

Dos & Don’ts

Do - Make sure to Focus on Critical Path

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

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 SI

Hourly Variable Fluid Customer

Dos & Don’ts

Do- Negotiate

Dos & Don’ts

Questions?

Restricted © Siemens Industry, Inc. 2014 All rights reserved. usa.siemens.com/summit

Tim Jager312.428.4135Tim.Jager@dmcinfo.comwww.dmcinfo.com HYM

Connectevent4.com

Connect with me:

Recommended