Keeping An Eye On Things

One large distributor is relying on a key technological solution to allow it to simultaneously monitor multiple servers from a single screen.

Arrow Electronics (www.arrow.com) is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 1,200 suppliers and 115,000 original equipment manufacturers (OEM), contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 340 locations in 52 countries and territories.

The Challenge

As a leading supplier of computer products, Arrow is deeply embedded in the ever-changing face of current technology. The company’s Phoenix facility functions as a distribution center with 60,000 square feet of space supporting Arrow’s OEM computing solutions. Arrow exists to satisfy the hardware and software needs created by the evolution of technology in the industry. The company is constantly looking to increase capacity and reduce wastes in all of its computer integration processes.

At the Arrow North American Components Center in Phoenix, Hank Eyring, engineering supervisor at Arrow, is responsible for NPI (New Product Introduction). At the center, Mr. Eyring manages full-time engineers on staff. These engineers are tasked with managing Arrow’s sophisticated integration and testing racks. All racks must have the ability to operate, configure and test every available computer and software platform,” he said.

Arrow assembles a range of electronic products (servers, storage, IP appliances, etc.) to specification for its clients. After the build phase, Arrow must then rigorously test each product before it is shipped out. According to Eyring, getting the devices through the configuration process was a time drain. “Prior to deploying ATEN products, our test rack solution consisted of an older analog KVM switch which limited our ability to maintain constant awareness and visibility of each unit under testing.”

For example, when Arrow had a problem with a device, they could not see it unless they physically moved the KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch to that specific unit. This was also the case when a device was finished with testing. There was no visibility for the current status of that test bench with its targets.

Search

Eyring then began the search for a KVM switch that could display on one single monitor the current status of all units being tested on the rack. A KVM (Keyboard/Video/Mouse) switch is a hardware-based solution used to access and control multiple computers, servers and peripherals conveniently from a single console.

After an exhaustive search, they short-listed ATEN’s KN2116A, a 16-port IP KVM switch that offered a key feature called Panel Array Mode which allows users to selectively monitor attached servers simultaneously in a grid array. By clicking on one of the images, it instantly brings that server or computer to focus for further review. “ATEN’s Panel Array Mode was the feature that drew us to select their KVM switches,” he said.

Choice

After deciding to evaluate the KN2116A in January of 2010, Arrow worked with ATEN to have a demo unit sent to its Phoenix facility. After the initial evaluation, and following an in-person facility visit by an ATEN technician, Arrow implemented a 30-day trial of the KN2116A as well as 14 KA7170 adapters. During its initial trial period for the KN2116A, Arrow’s unique configuration required assistance from ATEN in order to get the KVMs to work properly with the Panel Array Mode. “ATEN dispatched a product expert to our facility where he was able to work side by side with us to validate that the ATEN equipment would, indeed, meet our needs here in the integration center,” said Eyring. “His visit was instrumental in Arrow moving forward with this large and unique engagement.”

Solution

The successful trial of these products as well as the time savings observed led to the company’s decision to purchase and begin rolling out 22 KN2116A KVMs along with 4 KN2132 KVMs and 480 adapters (KA7170 and KA7120). The ability and time savings realized by the Panel Array Mode to provide status of all 16 or 32 units under testing was the factor that Arrow needed most. “The added ability to offer our engineering support personnel remote access into the KVM to perform troubleshooting on a UUT (Unit Under Test) without interrupting the technician at the local console solidified our decision,” Eyring said.

Results

The new test racks that have been deployed to the floor are quickly becoming the racks of choice for Arrow’s test technicians, noted Eyring. The technicians are reaping the benefits of having the new ability of seeing constant status of all units on the rack. “We are enjoying the benefits of ATEN’s Panel Array Mode which enables us to see constant status of all test units on the rack – clearly displayed on a 24” LCD monitor,” he said.

Arrow’s ability to reduce machine wait time on each test rack is the most important feature of the ATEN products. Previously, Arrow had 16 units on any given rack that could at any time be awaiting user input. Now, the company has a visible method of addressing machine wait times and status immediately. In terms of ROI, Eyring determined that the ATEN products helped his team save a minimum of 15 minutes per hour on each test bench – well exceeding the company’s expectations. “This saves us 12 hours each day between two shifts which translates into more product being configured and tested in less time,” said Eyring. On the topic of support, Arrow was pleased with the level of service it received from ATEN. “Answers to our KVM configuration questions in this unique environment were, and continue to be, very helpful and prompt,” he said.

Future

“As our employees have become more educated on the technology, we are beginning to realize significant savings in terms of efficiency," said Eyring. "Looking ahead, we are certainly interested in equipping our integration center with additional ATEN equipment as our operations focus on more lean, efficient processes and increased complexity.”

For more information, visit www.aten-usa.com.