(This conversation continues from my previous article covering Part 1. I encourage you to read that part first if you have not already.)

My Client's Clarifying Email Reply:

Thanks for getting back to us. If we went with the Trap Relay 32/64 unit, can you customize the alerts for example, Cabinet 1 triggers an alert to saying the temp is high and triggers an alert using a relay with dry contact, then Cabinet 2 can also trigger a similar temp alert and this will be on different relay, etc.

Looking at the Trap4R model this might have limited connections as we will have around 13 cabinets that need to be able to Tigger temp alarms to a central ICSS.

Also, I notice the units all come with 10BaseT will these units get upgrade to support 100mbit to 1gb?

Once we understand what the unit can do the next step for us is to workout the cabling requirements etc.

The client now has a clearer picture but still has some specific queries. Their focus on modern network infrastructure compatibility indicates the forward-thinking nature of their project.

It's not just about offering a product. At DPS, we always work to grasp the entire picture. After receiving further details, I realized that the project would ideally need ~13 relays to reflect the alarm state of ~13 cabinets. Also, to stay in line with modern network infrastructure, a shift from 10BaseT to 100Mbps or even 1Gbps was necessary.

My Final Clarification:

Thanks for this detail. The picture is coming into more focus now.

Please confirm my updated understanding is correct:

• You want different SNMP traps (identifiable by OID and/or variable binding text content; which we will use depends on the formatting by the source device) to trigger different relay outputs. This is precisely what the Trap Relay devices do. In the web interface, you define which trap(s) cause each of the relays to latch and release. As traps are received, the incoming trap is compared to each of these filters to update 1 or more relay states (or none, if there are no matches to a trap).
• Earlier, I believe I misinterpreted "2-pair cable" to be "only 2 pairs total to the ICSS". I'm now hearing that we want ~13 relays to reflect the alarm state of ~13 cabinets, transmitted to the ICSS via ~13 wire pairs. This would be a good match for 16 or maybe 32 relays, as you noted.
• You are looking for 100Mbps (if not 1Gbps) to be compatible with newer network infrastructure where 10BaseT is no longer supported. Obviously, our devices have no great need for bandwidth to handle incoming SNMP traps, so 10BaseT has been functional in most projects. We do have newer platforms supporting 100 or 100/1000. If this is a firm requirement, I can look at bringing the Trap Relay 32 (or whatever capacity we decide is right) to a newer processor stack to give you that. That's the type of evolutionary engineering we do all the time as it becomes required. Although adjusting our designs is easiest to justify internally when we're at Qty 11+, this seemingly is a good modernization for our catalog - even if your project only requires Qty 1.

Did I get all that right? If so, I can move toward getting you a quote.

Andrew Erickson
DPS

In this email, I bring together all the insights from the conversation to form a coherent understanding. The aim is to ensure complete alignment with the client's needs before proceeding to the quoting phase.

While we have a wide range of products, we understand the unique needs of different projects. Our client's requirement was steering towards customizing the Trap Relay 32 to fit into a modern network infrastructure. And though modifications can sometimes be more feasible with larger order quantities, at DPS, we believe every client's need is vital. We're always ready to modernize our catalog - sometimes even for a requirement of Qty 1.

This ongoing email exchange is a perfect example of how DPS prioritizes understanding over selling. Every step is about gaining clarity, offering the most suitable solutions, and ensuring that the client gets exactly what they need. It's not about making a sale; it's about building a relationship and delivering value (which has a lovely way of creating ongoing "win-win" projects for our clients).

So, when you choose DPS, you're not just choosing a product; you're choosing a partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

What Monitoring Gear Would You Request if You Could Get Anything?

At DPS, we unlock a world of possibilities that most professionals don't even consider - the realm of customized monitoring equipment. Instead of limiting your project to off-the-shelf solutions, we offer the flexibility to tailor our products to meet your specific needs. This approach empowers you with equipment built to your specifications, ensuring optimum performance and integration with your existing systems. You conceive an idea, and we provide the technical expertise to bring it to life.

Customization is not an anomaly at DPS; it's our standard practice. We've mastered the art of matching our client's unique requirements with the appropriate custom-made equipment, ensuring that no need is too complex or too specific.

At DPS, our priority is to ensure that your project is equipped with the best gear possible - even if that means creating some fraction of it from scratch. That's how our catalog grows.

Our team of skilled engineers and technicians are eager to work with you, transforming your vision into tangible, high-performing equipment. With DPS, customization is not a luxury - it's a standard service. We stand by our commitment to deliver solutions that are as unique as your project and your goals, opening up your possibilities like never before.

Call Me to Talk About What You Want to Accomplish

What do you need to monitor? What legacy equipment makes that difficult or seemingly impossible?

These types of questions are what we (fairly uniquely) want to hear at DPS. We have built our company to be able to offer customized remote monitoring and control equipment when necessary.

Give me a call at 1-800-693-0351 to start our conversation now. You can also email me at info@digitize-inc.com