‘Fit for purpose.’ What does it mean to NEC?
The term ‘fit for purpose’ at first glance may not seem overly inspiring! It’s used to describe how an object is capable of performing the task it was designed to fulfil. One might interpret it as simply being ‘adequate’ or ‘sufficient’. These are very ‘middle of the road’ adjectives, not exactly high praise.
But look at it again. Fit for purpose. It means exactly what it says. The object is appropriate for the job. That’s what you want, right? You don’t want to be baffled by fluffy marketing words, you just want to know that your investment is worth it because it will provide good service.
Having the right tools for the job is vital for a successful outcome. Afterall, you wouldn’t use chopsticks to eat soup.
A spoon and a pair of chopsticks might both be described as implements used for eating, yet a cursory glance informs us straight away that they are very different. It’s not always so easy to judge however, especially with technology that can appear on the face of it, very similar in specification.
When your investment is such that it becomes a capital expenditure, your choice of equipment becomes that much more critical. At this level, it is imperative to seek the knowledge which will clearly outline the capabilities and limitations of products when held up against defined objectives and desired outcomes.
This is where NEC can offer a solution-first, consultancy-led partnership. As an established manufacturer able to offer ALL the major display technologies, it enables us to be more objective in our solution recommendations.
Our desire is to recommend a solution which is ‘fit for purpose’ and specified according to the requirements of the application and possible future usage.
There is no sense in choosing a solution which is over-specified and paying for features which are not required. Equally, choosing a solution designed for entry-level usage and expecting it to perform 24/7 will lead to disappointment.
We could leave it there. We’ve made the point. But so often when technical specifications look identical some vital areas might get overlooked . . .
Safety first
You might not think the choice of construction material was so important, although the three little pigs might argue this point! Plastic or metal, they’re both good enough to ‘do the job’ aren’t they? Well, no, they’re not. Metal has certain properties that make it far superior to plastic. It is fire-retardant, heat resistant and fully recyclable.
The implications here will impact public safety first and foremost, but also the quality and longevity of your investment.
Find out more about the repercussions of this most vital distinction.
Total Cost of Ownership
A wise purchasing decision will include analysis of the total cost of ownership which will take into account the operational costs over the lifetime of the equipment, not simply a comparison of initial CAPEX.
You may pay slightly more upfront for quality, but the resulting reliability will ensure ‘fit for purpose’ performance over an extended lifetime. We are all familiar with the phrase “buy it cheap, buy it twice”; this isn’t just an implication for cost, it reflects the very essence of buying a ‘fit for purpose’ product.
Find out more about the importance of reliability and its implications for business success.
Long-term partnership
‘Fit for purpose’ isn’t just about the product itself, it is about the whole solution. A manufacturer confident in the quality of its products doesn’t simply focus on getting a quick sale.
Customer satisfaction should be the priority and this should continue long after the sale is complete - it requires a trusted partnership. NEC offers customised support and service packages that accompany its products over their lifetime to ensure that users continue to enjoy a secure long-term ‘fit for purpose’ investment.
Find out more about the NEC ServicePlus programme which underpins our commitment to quality.
We’d love to talk more about what sets NEC apart from other brands. We are confident in our reputation, we work hard to live up to it and that means putting our customers first.
We won’t over exaggerate the capabilities of our products, we simply deliver solutions which work, products which deliver consistent reliable performance according to their operational parameters. Solutions which are ‘fit for purpose’.