The NVM Insider, Issue 4 - Page 2 - Executive Opinion

Executive Opinion: Making Service a Key Component of "Value Added"

Rhéal Gervais, Vice President of Operations, Sidense

The term "value added" refers to the additional value added to an item's production flow from the initial production of its constituent parts until the final product is in consumers' hands.  For a semiconductor-based electronics product, value is added at each stage of product integration, from IP integration on a chip through final component integration into the saleable "box."  From a semiconductor IP vendor's viewpoint, adding value to a chip comprises not only the IP they offer but also the service they provide to the IP customer to make sure the chip works to that customer's satisfaction.  Very often, this service aspect is what differentiates one IP vendor from all the others.

Because each target chip represents a different system environment to the IP embedded on that chip, every IP customer faces a different set of potential problems in successfully integrating third-party IP into a design.  IP integration success requires that both the IP supplier and customer work together and that the IP supplier has a good understanding of the customer's requirements.  Small IP vendors, in particular, need to be "close" to their customers to help them overcome any glitches that may come up during the deployment and integration of their IP in the customer's design.

When choosing an IP vendor, especially when the IP you might use can come from multiple sources, pick one that is known for a high degree of customer service, along with a successful track record of customer satisfaction, company stability and the technical expertise to understand your product and where and how it will be used.  There is an adage in the semiconductor industry that your best vendors are also your partners.  This has been true for EDA tool and ASIC vendors and is true for IP vendors as well.  After all, vendor success depends on your success and IP providers with good customer service records will always make the best partners for your business and provide the best added value in your chips.

At Sidense we not only strive to provide excellent "Value Added" service, but we do it for the right reasons – the ultimate success of our customers ...