Axiell

Procuring PC Hardware For Public Libraries

Whilst many people are led to believe that all PCs are the same, or that one scanner is no better than another, customers that have relied on Axiell to provide them with specially assembled PCs know that they experience very few hardware faults and timely support is always available.

The following table is a summary showing the important factors to be considered when selecting the right PCs for Public Libraries compared with those normally applied to Small Office Home Office ( SoHo ) or for corporate environments.

a factor of low importance
a factor of average importance
a factor of high importance

Cost versus Value
 
Corporate organisations and Public Libraries have long known that the purchase price of a PC represents only a fraction of its total cost over its life. Whilst the home user can ignore the cost of his/her time whilst trying to fix problems, libraries know that all time and costs have to be accounted for and justified.

The total cost of a PC over its life comprises:

• Requirement specification
• Machine specification
• Selection of a supplier
• Negotiations with supplier
• Specification of the configuration(s) required:
• network
• operating system
• application software
• Delivery and installation
• Set-up
• Testing
• Hardware maintenance
• Back-up
• Support:
• Hardware faults
• Software problems
• Network and Operating System errors
• Upgrade
• Time lost by staff when the system is not available or through work lost due to system failure

Many reports have estimated – and in some cases demonstrated - that in a corporate environment the cost of a PC over 5 years is more than £6,000. This clearly shows that the initial investment in the purchase is only a fraction of the overall cost of the machine to the business.

Axiell always offers best value. The quality of our systems and the guaranteed level of service we offer are more important to us and to our customers than minimal savings on the initial purchase price of the equipment.

Build Costs

In order to offer low purchase prices, many companies will use obsolete parts and equipment. Others will use cheap imported parts which may even fail stringent UK requirements. In contrast, Axiell carefully evaluates the quality of an item before it selects it. To take two separate examples:

Axiell only fits the best CPU cooling fans as they are known to be the most common single point of failure in a PC 
Axiell always uses branded memory as it has been proven that cheaper equivalents result in many failures which cause much inconvenience to the users, and are expensive, if not impossible, to fix and to upgrade. 
Axiell always ensures that the computer interface to the user is robust and reliable. For example, many keyboards and mice have been tested but only those ranked top of the list in our test for comfort, accuracy and feel have been selected.

Once a PC is built, Axiell loads the operating system and runs a test program to ensure the machine meets the specifications to which it has been built. We set minimum test specifications for all our machines.

As a machine is assembled, how much effort is spent on getting all parts securely fitted? Axiell spends time to investigate and locate additional components which will make the machine less likely to break down: for example, items which will hold various components securely in place. Axiell knows that some PCs are installed on a mobile library and endure the vibrations of long journeys through uneven country lanes before being used by people with little or no PC awareness. Very few standard PCs are built to withstand this kind of treatment.

Axiell only produces PCs which are potentially used by the general public, i.e. PCs which will be subjected to heavy and sometimes careless handling.

Certification

To ensure that electrical products do not generate disturbances which can interfere with other electrical equipment, all Axiell equipment is CE approved.

Specialised peripherals for the library marketplace
Using specialised peripherals does not simply mean buying any bar-code scanner for all bar-codes in existence. Although barcode scanners normally cope with a range of barcodes, not all scanners give consistently accurate readings. Axiell ensures optimum reading by carefully selecting the scanners and by running specially modified software on each unit. Furthermore, Axiell provides ergonomically designed date stamp holders which minimize the risks of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Public Libraries traditionally use slip printers and Axiell has been supplying thermal printers for many years.

As new technologies appear, Axiell works with suppliers and integrators for RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) and smartcards and will be ready to provide integration if and when your library needs it.

Swift implementation

Rather than delivering boxed PCs straight from the factory, Axiell provides PCs that are fully configured to your specification, so a PC can be installed quickly with no onsite configuration except for the connection and necessary identification to the network.

Because Axiell configures the PC, a software image can be provided on a CD to allow either library or IT staff, or Axiell field engineers, to quickly refresh the environment should the PC require reformatting.

Domain servers can automate the complex process of updating client software including anti-virus software.

Reliability

Axiell offers 3-year on-site maintenance on all the equipment we supply, so there is a vested interest in selling reliable equipment requiring little maintenance and support. Many suppliers offer just 1-year maintenance cover and often sub-contract this service to a third party.

Availability

All Axiell services and products are designed to help our customers to provide uninterrupted library services for both the staff and the public.

Adaptability

In contrast to PCs bought off the shelf, Axiell PCs are designed to fulfill the varied requirements of the different areas of the library. Whilst a back room workstation is very similar to a standard PC, it will often require a hand-held or mounted bar-code scanner. The issue terminal and the OPAC terminals may benefit from the usage of a touch screen. Self-issue terminals may be required.

In a library, it is unlikely that one PC will suit all functions at all locations. For example, whilst some locations can easily accommodate a PC with its 17” monitor, some others may need a PC with a small foot-print (Axiell Book PC) and a TFT monitor. OPAC terminals may require a combined keyboard/trackball device.

Axiell often works with library furniture or mobile library manufacturers to supply equipment in specialist or customised surroundings.

Security

All Axiell PCs bear their Axiell part and serial number both in barcode and readable format. This can be used for asset tracking but is also used for maintenance purposes to ensure that we have all the relevant spare parts available should an on site visit be necessary.

When expensive equipment is kept in open public areas, the risk of theft is significant, especially when the item is easily portable and the area is not under constant surveillance. To protect your equipment, Axiell also provides a range of security devices which protect your investment.

Responsibility

For many Axiell customers, all library projects are carried out, managed and controlled by Axiell and responsibilities are clearly allocated. Once the project has been completed, getting support and maintenance for all items (hardware, network and software) from one single supplier means no delay in getting support and returning to a fully functional environment. This enables Axiell to provide a high quality and efficient service as no time is wasted gathering information from a number of unrelated companies that often try to deny responsibility.