A Step Beyond Standards Important as it is, independent NEBS 3 testing checks only a product sample. To ensure the same level of performance in installed devices, the carrier must evaluate consistency of the manufacturing process. Service providers should insist on ISO 9001 certification. This assures quality and consistency in the process and, consequently, in the product. And in the manufacturing process, quantity is just as important as quality.
All network managers believe in planning ahead, but in fast-moving markets that's often impossible.
For example, a carrier receives a large service order and discovers that its power systems vendor can't meet the deadline. The carrier could apologize and hope the customer sticks around. But even if the carrier retains the customer, it loses revenue during the delay. Start by examining overall panel design for compactness. Otherwise, a carrier could configure too many partially populated shelves, driving up space requirements and equipment costs.