Case Studies

When a critical embedded computer in a flow cytometry analyzer reached end of life without warning, Contec sourced surplus stock, avoided a costly revalidation and kept Coulter’s production and field service running.

Overview

In 1991, Coulter’s EPICS division, now part of Beckman Coulter, received an unexpected end-of-life notice for an embedded Intel Multibus 286 single board computer used in its flow cytometry analyzer. The notice came too late for a lifetime buy, and the previous supplier had almost no inventory left for production or field service.

Challenge

The notice threatened forward production, service of analyzers already installed at customer sites, and the budget. The alternatives were an expensive revalidation or a broad search for an equivalent board, and Coulter’s engineering team lacked the capacity for the search.

Solution

Gene Garofalo, Contec’s Business Development Vice President, surveyed the market and found two OEMs using the same board that might have surplus stock. He negotiated a purchase covering Coulter’s production needs and field replacements. Contec’s knowledge of Multibus architecture also let it support the warranty extensions Coulter offered its customers, and Contec took on supply logistics and held inventory at a competitive cost.

Results

Coulter saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in revalidation costs, kept delivering and servicing its analyzer, and carried less inventory because Contec delivered on its production schedule. Contec also advised on replacement components for Coulter’s next analyzer, reducing engineering time.

Todd Lary, Coulter Program Manager, said Gene Garofalo “came through with flying colors,” and Coulter went on to give Contec more opportunities to supply custom embedded products.

Originally published by Contec Co., Ltd. at contec.com.