Sometimes the best solution for a particular problem is not to use off-the-shelf products but to develop a customised solution. I’ve typically done this using programmable microcontrollers on custom-printed circuits together with custom-designed and built housings.
The range of available solutions is enormous and several key factors influence the choice of solution.
An important consideration is the ongoing support and maintenance – the customer will sometimes want to learn the basic maintenance of the system so tailored training is provided. This training is geared to the customer’s abilities and needs and is usually delivered in a hands-on environment.
Cost, size and available resources also influence the technology selection. The broad spectrum of experience described elsewhere on this site offers a major advantage when examining available options with a view to achieving the optimum solution.