“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

As long as the proper planning is executed from day one, finding the best computer enclosure does not have to be overwhelming. Taking the time for adequate research can - and will - pay off in the long run. Keep in mind: not every enclosure company has the same product for the same price. Various comparisons should be made between the products. One company’s spotlight product may be priced low comparatively speaking, but could have unknown fatal flaws, which could require additional time and cash if the product fails to operate correctly. What needs to be done to find the perfect solution?

6 Steps to Specifying the Best Computer Enclosure on the Market

1. Define Requirements

Meet with all team members involved on the expansion or upgrade to clearly define the pc enclosure requirements. Important items to consider include the NEMA rating, power supply, thermal management, temperature extremes of the environment, space requirements to house electronics (computer, monitor, printer, UPS, etc.), and overall durability of the enclosure material. If every team member is on the same page at the beginning, there will be no surprises when equipment arrives on site.

2. Research

Always take the time to complete necessary and important homework! Every enclosure company is going to make claims that they offer the greatest and highest quality computer enclosures. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will find that the materials used to build some enclosures are less than stellar. In the end, overall experience speaks for itself. To make sure you are purchasing the right product for the project, submit the clearly defined project requirements to enclosure providers for recommendations on the best product. Also, do not overlook the length of the warranty being offered on the products and accessories. The warranty could help out down the road, if something unexpected were to happen.

3. Choose the Best Supplier

When possible, evaluate the pc enclosure in person, products speak for themselves! Inquire if an evaluation unit is available for a certain period of time. Most companies are willing to send one unit for a hands-on review, in anticipation of selling multiple units after the evaluation period is over. Companies with high-quality units are always eager to send over a sample unit, because it will likely impress the end user. If an evaluation unit is not available, ask the enclosure supplier for a list of referrals of similar companies that they have worked with on previous projects. If a company is not willing to provide this information, then it might be wise to pick another enclosure supplier.

4. Establish Budget

Once it is determined what (product) and who (enclosure supplier) is the best solution for the project, obtain a competitive price quote. Too often customers ‘ballpark’ their budget far too low in the beginning and do not perform the correct research and evaluation of the products available on the market. Poorly planned “shot in the dark” budgets could equate to sacrificing enclosure quality, which may end up costing a company more money over the course of time. Obviously, you do not want to fall into this category!

5. Create a Timeline

From electronics to hardware, understand the lead time for all of the items required to properly execute the computer enclosure project. Enclosure suppliers usually have a handful of ‘better selling products’ in stock at all times, which means the lead time should only be a few days. However, if a specialized project requires a custom made enclosure, then the lead time can be lengthier. At times, a customer may need an enclosure solution in two weeks, but in order to fabricate a brand new product, the lead time could take up to 2 months. This will create headaches for everyone involved in the process. Failing to make a decision - in a timely manner - may result in unnecessary expedite fees or charges to meet the company’s “go live” date.

6. EXECUTE!

If all ducks are in a row, executing the project will prove to be the easiest part! Be sure to assign a project manager to keep everything moving on track. In the end, if the plan was executed properly throughout the process, then the project will be a huge success. Also, save the enclosure supplier’s number, because you may want to order more units in the future!

Flying by the seat of your pants will result in poor product choices and cost more money. In order to get the right product for the job, always ask questions (and more questions) during the selection process. How much will this cost? What is the lead time? How will this ship? Can this product have an air conditioner? Can a large monitor fit? Can a printer fit? Will this enclosure be best for my environment?

These are all examples of questions to ask before making an educated decision.

Proper planning, research, and homework are always the best course of action. It is never a bad thing to have a prepared plan.

For more information: 4 STEPS TO SELECTING A COMPUTER ENCLOSURE

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