We've worked hard to make the process of delivering a software appliance as easy as possible. Below you'll find the four general phases of the appliance process and the details that go into each step. Keep in mind that this is more of a guideline than a set path. At MBX we pride ourselves in our flexibility.
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Every project begins with a discovery session where you tell us how your products will be used, in what environments they’ll be placed, and what sort of performance specifications they need to have. You tell us the desired outcome. We’ll figure out how to get there. 
The platform that our engineers recommend may be one of our standard platforms, a customized platform, or even something entirely new. Whichever way we go, we’ll not only tell you what we recommend but why, so you can make an informed decision. 
After the proposal is approved, we will create and send you a prototype unit that you can use to test the unit with your software. You can put the hardware through its paces, look at the worst case scenarios, and make sure it fits your needs. Once you’re comfortable, you sign off on the prototype and we move ahead. 
Our design team will help you take a look at both the form and graphics of your appliance and make proposals if you desire – all with an eye on helping you enhance your visibility and brand. 
The final step in the design process is to approve the entire design. You will receive a first article with all branding in place, to be sure the operation and the visual effect are what you want. Only when you are satisfied with every detail and sign off will we move into the production phase. |
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At this stage, we will outline specific needs for production, such as serialization, inventory tracking, special software requirements, customized quality control, if you need to receive MAC addresses for software updates, etc. We will do whatever it takes to assure that your units come out the way you want. 
With the details in place, your appliance is now ready to go into full production. We will create documentation to assure that every unit is built exactly to spec, and will keep you informed about the production schedule. Should you need to make changes to the schedule, we will work with you on that detail as well. 
When the first production unit comes off the line, we will send it to you to assure that actual production meets or exceeds the standards of the prototype – both functionally and visually. We will also thoroughly test each unit as it comes off the line to assure the highest level of quality. 
Cartons can be customized to carry your company’s name, logo, and/or other information. Owner’s manuals, spec sheets, and cross-promotional materials may also be inserted in the final package. We will help you identify your options and set up your program to provide the best value. |
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While MBX can ship finished units to you, most customers prefer to leave distribution in our hands. We have already faced and solved the many supply chain issues that can create problems for software companies. We have the capabilities to ship both domestically and internationally and manage all customs issues. 
MBX has the ability to drop ship single or multiple units as needed, anywhere in the world. We will use our historical knowledge to select between multiple carrier options to be sure shipments arrive on time, in good condition, and as inexpensively as possible. 
Because we already have a warehouse distribution system in place, MBX can take care of all inventory management functions for you. We will track all inventory at every stage, including both component parts and finished products. We can even track deployed units for you by serial number if you choose. 
You can log into our customer portal and see the current level of all inventory and components – including packaging, stock systems, manuals, etc. We can also help you further refine inventory levels to be sure you're carrying the right amount to keep expenses down while assuring adequate levels for larger orders. |
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MBX provides toll-free technical support, either on our own or seamlessly in conjunction with your own software support group. And while the boxes we build are warranted for three years, MBX will continue to support them behind the scenes for as long as your customers own them. 
While MBX makes every effort to assure your appliances will be trouble-free, at times a problem will occur. If it is not field-serviceable, MBX will ask the customer to return the unit and will cross-ship a replacement. 
Units that are returned by customers with an RMA number are reconditioned, tested, and then placed into a special RMA inventory. This inventory is held separate from new units, and can be used for future RMA’s, customer demos, development systems, or for other situations as needed. 
MBX will keep you posted on the status of RMA inventory through regular reports. We will help you look for commonalities in failures, such as regional problems or a particular usage environment, to help improve quality and reduce returns. |
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Design
