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About PALCO

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is PALCO?

PALCO provides logistics, repair and aftermarket services, and as well as other related services to help you get your product to market quickly and successfully.

What does PALCO provide?

PALCO provides computing support and hardware integration services for large and small OEMs, contract manufacturers, value-added resellers (VARs), third-party maintenance providers, and end-users.

We are a repair, logistics and technical services company with highly capable and experienced technicians and support staff. There are five primary strengths which form the basic building blocks of the PALCO offering:

  • Product Repair - Both at the board level and the final product level including BGA remove, repair, and replace using X-ray technology.
  • Engineering Change Order Processing - We do complete ECO implementation including upgrades of field units.
  • RMA Process Management - We manage the customer's returns process. We receive, screen, diagnose, repair, ship and track.
  • Hub Management - We offer complete Hub Operations to our customers. This service facilitates CFM (Continuous Flow Manufacturing) for our customers and VMI (Vendor Managed Inventories) for our customers' suppliers.
  • Screening Operations - We will receive lots of suspect material, screen that material quickly and return the good product to our customer. We will repair the defective units for return to productive use.

Why partner with PALCO?

There are many reasons to select PALCO as your service partner:

  • 20+ years experience with a reputation for superior service
  • Totally committed to quality and is ISO certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards
  • Experienced/qualified technical staff (IPC, A+, Novell and Microsoft certifications)
  • 170,000 sq. ft. facility
  • State-of-the-art test equipment
  • Fast response, and quality workmanship
  • A natural fit for contract manufacturers, OEMs - large and small, contract manufacturers, value-added resellers (VARs), and third-party maintenance providers
  • Excellent location - adjacent to Huntsville International Airport, and nearby a Multi-Modal Hub (air, rail, highway)
  • Authorized Service Provider for many OEMs

Why should I outsource?

  • Focus on core competencies
    • Research and development
    • End unit manufacturing
    • Sales and marketing
  • Reduce manufacturing costs
  • Shorten time-to-market
  • Reduce investment in equipment, process knowledge, and manufacturing expertise
  • Decrease business model complexity

What is the difference between in- warranty and out-of-warranty service?

We will assume product warranty repair service on behalf of the OEM. This allows the OEMs to focus on their core business while being assured that their commitments (warranties) to their customers are being honored. After the warranty period has expired, customers may still seek to have their products repaired at their own expense or by buying an extended warranty or service agreement from the OEM. PALCO's out-of-warranty repair service allows the OEM to provide those services, keep their customers happy, and still keep their own time and resources free to pursue other challenges.

What certifications do PALCO technicians hold?

PALCO's staff of highly trained technicians and engineers are holders of IPC, A+, Novell and Microsoft certifications. PALCO is ISO certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards. We are Authorized Service Providers for most of the computer industries leading manufacturers and major telecommunications equipment manufacturers.

What is PALCO's technical depth of the IPC standards (IPC 610)?

We work under standards defined in IPC-A-610C. Our technicians have attended the IPC-A-610C course (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies). We also utilize IPC-7711/7721 (Repair and Modification of Printed Boards and Electronic Assemblies), and we have a certified IPC instructor on staff.

How are PALCO's technicians trained?

  • In many cases they are factory trained (i.e. Authorized Service Center).
  • We send all of our technicians to outside classes to obtain their A+ certification.
  • The ESD (Electro Static Discharge) training is also accomplished by bringing in the best firms in the industry to train our technicians on site.
  • This outside professional education coupled with our own ongoing in-house training programs assure our capabilities are state-of-the-art.

How does PALCO handle engineering change orders (ECOs)?

When the manufacturer requires the implementation of an ECO, PALCO can step in and assume those upgrade responsibilities completely. If the change requires upgrading products in the field, we can manage the returns process, institute a swap program, or simply provide repaired product with rapid turnaround to minimize customer downtime.

What are PALCO's quality standards?

PALCO continuously improves its products, services, and environment to better satisfy customers, shareholders, and employees. We employ a formal Quality Management System based on ISO standards, to measure and analyze trends in product and service quality, and to provide feedback internally on process effectiveness. We are totally committed to quality and are ISO certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards.

What hardware and software integration services does PALCO offer?

PALCO offers a full range of services including the installation of hardware and/or software, the burn-in, and set-up required to integrate a new configuration. Our integration services are used extensively by our OEM, ISP, and VAR partners in supporting the special requirements of their end-user clients. We will customize our configuration services to meet your needs.

Does PALCO have the ability to do BGA rework/X-ray (2D)?

Yes, we have full BGA (Ball Grid Array) and X-ray capability. We utilize SRT/Summit 1100 Rework Systems and Nicolet Imaging Systems.

What about 8-Layer BGA and surface-mount 6x8 6U compact PCI?

PALCO can repair boards populated with these type components. Using X-ray, we are able to provide images of finished work for BGA replacements.

What are PALCO's diagnosis capabilities?

We have the latest diagnostic tools available for motherboards, graphic cards, disk drives, monitors, complete systems, etc. Specialized diagnostics tools are developed and purchased as required.

Why have equipment refurbished?

Refurbishment service is an alternative to buying new. Our refurbished systems are rebuilt from the ground up, inspected, tested, and re-certified to ensure the highest quality products. Refurbished systems offer a way to obtain the equipment you need at prices well below what you'd pay for new systems.

How do logistics services support field operations?

We source, fulfill, and stock based on your needs. Let us know what your business requires, and we'll develop a customized plan just for you.

Does PALCO offer returned goods management and repair?

Turn over your RMA process to us, and we'll handle warranty processing, repair, asset reconciliation, disassembly and repackaging, and custom disposition, tracking and reporting.

What are PALCO's Hub operations for OEMs and contract manufacturers?

We will, at your request, put agreements in place with your suppliers allowing them to maintain inventory destined for your manufacturing line in the PALCO Hub. We will deliver that product to your lines according to the pull mechanism and frequency you define. These services are attractive to OEMs because inventory investment is minimized. They are attractive to the supplier because they facilitate their VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) initiatives at a very low cost.

What are the advantages of utilizing a Hub facility?

  • You do not get billed until items are used.
  • You can free up your own facility resources.
  • You have full visibility to your inventory in real time.
  • You can return defectives to the Hub.
  • PALCO is certified and authorized to repair many suppliers' products, thus eliminating long lead-times inherent in returning product to the manufacturer for repair or swap.
  • When an ECO is released against material, PALCO can work with suppliers to implement the ECO right from the Hub facility. This eliminates bottlenecks in the supply chain.

What if I have specific reporting requirements?

PALCO boasts a 30 person IT staff to support our customers' requirements.

 

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