Convert Integration Challenges into Opportunities

Today’s data explosion and the need for real-time analysis and decision-making has placed a lot of stress on IT infrastructure. As a result, Ingram Micro has seen a demand for a more workload-centric type of IT infrastructure powered by purpose-built software applications. These unique integration challenges have come when solution providers are already stretched thin and lack the time, personnel, facilities or capital to build servers, appliances and clients from the ground up. Identifying this value-added opportunity to aid its partners, Ingram Micro launched its Integration Center.

Behind Ingram Micro’s Integration Center

Located in California, the Integration Center is a state-of-the-art facility for the design, assembly, configuration and testing of IT-related solutions. That includes network and server appliances, storage and hyperconverged solutions, full racks and more. The dust- and static-free facility meets the ANSI/ESD S20:20 standard, is IS0 9001:2015 certified and CFIUS compliant, and follows Lean Six Sigma and 5S methodologies.

This center can provide a few key benefits to solution providers:

1. Leveraging Ingram Micro’s expert team and facilities means solutions can be brought to market much faster.
2. Since all materials used are Ingram Micro owned, the customers’ working capital is freed up.
3. The operational processes and quality checks ensure better outcomes than most solution providers can achieve independently.
4. Solution providers gain access to a one-stop-shop of value-added services and a broad array of solutions.
5. Solution providers can build or supplement their business continuity and disaster recovery services around this offering.

There’s additional value to OEMs that can leverage the Integration Center for credit and supply chain management. The services allow OEMs to funnel freed-up resources and working capital into developing their products and services.

How the Integration Center Operates

Interested solution providers will find a programmatic approach to working with the center. Customers will have a dedicated program manager to assist with onboarding, managing the project’s scope and creating a communication plan. In addition, they will manage all the stakeholders from engineering, supply chain, vendor management, sales quality and logistics. Post-launch, the project blueprint/playbook is handed off to a sustaining program manager who takes over the day-to-day operations, such as process flows, SLAs, contacts and more.

Next Steps

At just a few years old, the Integration Center is growing to meet the continually changing needs of the marketplace. The ongoing demands of end customers will put more pressure on solution providers, who will need assistance building out that infrastructure. The beauty of the facility is that it doesn’t just handle traditional racks and appliances; anything a customer needs integrated can be supported.

If you have customers with unique needs or lack the time or scalability to address integration opportunities, contact Ingram Micro’s Integration Center today.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.