On the integration journey, the next step is finding an integrator to work with. You can jump on to your favorite search engine and look for companies that could help, but before you do that, talk to peers and colleagues in your part of the industry. Who are the providers that work in your part of the industry? Who will share their experience? You want an integrator with a proven track record with projects like yours, but it may also help to look for a broader range of experience.
Your goal is to create a solution that solves a problem, and you will have ideas on the most cost-effective and efficient way to do it. An experienced integrator may have more ideas in their toolbox that solve your problem and offer a path to providing differentiation. They can offer options for the types of inkjet solutions most appropriate to your needs. Many integrators work with technologies from multiple OEMs and know which pair best with specific solutions.
With your checklist from Part One in hand, start conversations with several potential partners. Remember that there are no questions too basic to ask. The more you share about your goals and needs, as well as your specifications, how your product configuration will be used, and its environment, the better they can help craft a proposal for you.
During the dating phase of your search, another element to consider is how you want to work with your integrator and how they can work with you. Most integrators seek collaboration in an open atmosphere that fosters concept exchange and quick responses. How does your team handle joint planning sessions and design reviews? Think about your likely team members and how they interact. Do they become political? Hierarchical? Your integration partner wants every exchange to be productive. Making that happen will take agreement on processes, so look for integrators with a compatible methodology for gathering requirements and building the project plan.
Now you know how integration partners would like you to be prepared. Come back next time for the final part of the Integrator’s Wish List.