Working with DataFirst
Securing your company’s data has never been easier—from the moment we receive your purchase order to when the custom-built archive solution leaves our warehouse to be installed by a DataFirst engineer, our support staff is available for questions and constantly updates you on the status of your order.
Each DataFirst File Library™ system is equipped with a library that includes all the hardware, software, and labor necessary to provide you with a fully-operational archival storage system for storing files. Although there is no required training associated with the use of these archive products, DataFirst is prepared to discuss the product concepts, equipment, and operation during the installation period and will guide you through its functions.
» Contact DataFirst for a free consultation.
Our Approach
1. Order Placement
First, each Customer delivers a purchase order to DataFirst containing all necessary information to describe the items being ordered and how to deliver the archive, such as contact and shipping information, equipment options, and quantity. After the order is reviewed, it is entered into the DataFirst accounting system where a materials analysis is executed to initiate the manufacturing sequence.
2. Manufacturing
DataFirst manufactures all of its products at its factory in Raleigh, North Carolina. Its manufacturing process is managed, staffed, and implemented by dedicated DataFirst personnel who assemble, test, validate, and burn-in media per the internal DataFirst production plan. Orders requiring special items are scheduled with each vendor for delivery prior to the start of the manufacturing work.
Before manufacturing begins, DataFirst prepares a documentation package for each archive. This package includes representative and unique software elements that allow for the field reloading of the archive if necessary. Once completed, the archive is left running for a controlled period of time to verify it is ready to operate as per its design criteria.
At the end of this testing phase, the archive is purged of temporary working elements, shut down, and powered off.
3. Shipping
After an archive is manufactured, tested, and burned-in, it is ready to be packaged for shipping. This phase includes the component-level disassembly of the system and removal of all cables, plug-in modules, media, mice, keyboards, and any additional loose items, which are packaged in a manner suitable for normal over-the-road delivery. Large systems are returned to their original packaging as delivered from their respective manufacturers and placed onto a skid.
The whole package is then wrapped with a continuous plastic material to provide a moisture barrier. This packaging approach allows a forklift to pick up the archive and move it directly into a truck at the DataFirst loading dock. The archive is scheduled for delivery based on the prearranged agreement between DataFirst and the Customer.
4. Installation
DataFirst will provide all necessary labor to install fully and validate the archive at your facility. The following activities are included in the archive installation:
- DataFirst will travel to the Customer site.
- Each package associated with the installation will be inspected for shipping damage.
- The items received will be compared with the list of shipped items to ensure that all items were received.
- The equipment will be staged in the final destination area for at least one hour to allow temperature normalization.
- Media will be inspected and placed into the media library to meet the capacity level ordered.
- The library will be properly closed and sealed.
- The power and communications cables will be attached to the library.
- The operating computer will be moved to its final intended location where the power, network, and library communications cables can be attached.
- The equipment will be powered up and monitored for correct startup activities.
Once the equipment is operating, it will be examined by DataFirst to check for normal operation and possible fault conditions.
6. Product Support
DataFirst includes telephone support for the first year of operation for each archive it installs at a Customer site. During normal business hours, DataFirst provides knowledgeable staff members who are available to discuss any product failure and help to determine an appropriate solution. DataFirst is also prepared to connect electronically to any archive at your site when proper connectivity is approved and available. This approach ensures that problems are identified and resolved quickly. DataFirst also offers multi-year support if desired by the Customer
Deliverables
OEM or Customer to DataFirst
- Complete, accurate, and valid purchase order for the archive being ordered
- Completion of the DataFirst Information and Logistical Packet
- On-site preparation of equipment space and network connection for the archive
- IT support during archive installation to ensure proper addition to the facility domain (if required)
- Sign-off after installation
DataFirst to Customer
- All computer equipment (hardware and software) required for the Archive to perform as per specification
- DataFirst engineer sent to the Customer site to properly install the Archive
- Comprehensive product documentation package including software, manuals, and procedures
- One year of product support via telephone
» Contact DataFirst for a free consultation
