Robert, I have been using a company call Infotech since 2007.
In general, I have been pleased with their services, however, there are
some limitations due internet when they working on large assemblies,
since they need to access all of the components. We 'do not" have
Intralink or PDMlink. The limitations are typically on our end.
Electrical cable harness routing & final assembly work is typically
performed in-house by my full-time drafting staff.
There is some loss in productivity due to difference in time 10.5 to
11.5 depending on day light savings time. Work submitted to India during
the day (7 to 4:30 central standard time) typically arrives in India
after they are closed. They do run multiple shifts, however, all is shut
down typically by 9:30 AM our time. Since they are working while we are
sleeping, work sent to India can be completed by the time we start the
next business day. They have holidays (12) & vacations similar to what
occurs in the states, however, they occur at different times of the year
than ours.
I can communicate with them (audio & video conferencing) in the early
morning, typically 6:30 - 8 AM as needed, however, this causes them to
make staff available late at night for them, so I only do this
occasionally. Verbal communications can be a challenge. E-mail
communications with pictorial examples works best for daily issue
resolution with engineering staff members. Infotech sends queries to our
engineering staff. I am copied on all communications and get involved
only when necessary. Most issues are resolved without my assistance.
Communication from Infotech is typically clear & concise. I can
increase/decrease staff at Infotech as needed. We typically use between
2-8 people. They will place people on site if required, however, on-site
support is nearly 3 times the rate. We have not needed anyone on site
the past couple of years, however, it worked well to begin the process.
Infotech had to learn our drafting practices. Their staff typically
consists of engineers not drafters or designers. They are a contract
house, so they have other customers they support besides our company and
several CAD platforms including different releases of Pro/E
The decision to use off-shore resources was not mine (corporate
decision). However, I am responsible for using Infotech successfully to
meet documentation release schedules. Overall, this has been working.
Prior to Infotech, I primarily used local contractors. This option is no
longer available to me.
Sorry, I may not provide additional information other than this due to
my work load requirements and available time. I hope this helps.
Gaston
