In this Issue...

• Windows XP® vs. 7 - Cost Analysis

• OS Upgrade for First Responder Consoles

• CCS Recognized as Innovative Company

• Employee Spotlight

Across various industries and applications, cost is a commonly cited reason for sticking with older technologies; but it is inherently flawed. While the initial capital investment for an upgrade may seem like an unnecessary expense, most technology refreshes more than pay for themselves through reduced operational costs. This is certainly the case for Windows® XP.

If your organization is relying on XP as its primary operating system, you are likely already incurring high IT labor costs and losing user productivity. You are also paying more for new computers because the only way to legally obtain these licenses requires additional downgrade services. If the system you produce and sell runs on an XP platform, these issues are passing through to your customers as well.

In an IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, research estimates that the annual operational and support expense of a PC running XP is $870 (per PC, per year), more than five times higher than that of a comparable computer using Windows 7 (approximately $168 per PC, per year). Further, they calculated the payback period of an XP to Windows 7 upgrade to be just 12 months, including hardware and software, with a three-year ROI of 137%.¹ While these numbers were derived from companies in more prototypical office/enterprise environments, it is logical to assume similar, if not more compelling, numbers on a production floor because of the very real cost associated with downtime.

Old hardware contributes to some of these added costs, but even newer systems that have been downgraded to XP cannot operate as smoothly or efficiently as their Windows 7 counterparts. Users will still face lower productivity because XP cannot take full advantage of many recent hardware advances. By remaining on XP, you have essentially paid for more computing power than you can use.

As the April 8, 2014 end of extended support date draws near, other potential costs loom. Some industries have already instituted regulations (or are in the process of doing so) that mandate regular, timely patching of critical cyber assets – an impossible task for Windows XP systems once Microsoft ends support. One such organization, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), can levy fines as high as $1 million per day for noncompliance with its NERC CIP (Critical Infrastructure Protection) requirements.

But even without the pressure of an audit, corporations must recognize that by continuing to rely on a dead operating system, they are jeopardizing their operational stability. If a vulnerability is discovered for which Microsoft releases no patch, and your network is attacked or unintentionally infected, what is the value of the data you will lose or the downtime you will experience? Does the short term convenience of sticking with XP outweigh the risks?

Perhaps you have already considered these possibilities and are now exploring the idea of paying Microsoft to provide personalized support and updates. While deals are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, reported quotes for post-retirement XP support are showing a $200 per-device pricing model with a minimum first year contract in the $600,000 range. On the high end, first year support could reach $5 million, and subsequent years could be doubled… or even more.²

In spite of all these costs, you may still face extenuating circumstances that make the switch from Windows XP to 7 tough or nearly impossible for now. If that’s the case, an embedded version of XP may be right for you. To learn more about this and other options for remaining on XP, follow this link.

Whether you think it’s time for a change or you need to continue using Windows XP, CCS can help. One of our technical experts would be happy to recommend the best course of action for your situation. Start this process by contacting CCS today.

By: Jennie Salamoun, Marketing Manager

^{1 IDC White Paper sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, Mitigating Risk:  Why Sticking with Windows XP is a Bad Idea, Doc #234690, May 2012.
2 Keizer, Gregg (February 21, 2013). Microsoft gooses Windows XP’s custom support prices as deadline nears. Retrieved from http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9237019}

A premier international communications and information technology company recognized a need to upgrade its software to support newer operating systems. The company understood this would be a major transition, and was concerned with downtime to its existing consoles, as most of these systems are mission-critical. With these factors in mind, the company turned to its hardware vendor and Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, CCS, to ensure a smooth upgrade.
 
Click the link below to learn how CCS not only assisted in the upgrade process, but was also able to identify a more cost-effective hardware solution that resulted in a cost savings of 31% for the company.

Last month, a Montgomery County economic development official attended a meeting held in Washington, D.C. that was organized by Startup America Partnership. This meeting was focused on the importance of fostering vibrant startup communities throughout the United States. During this meeting, CCS was referenced as an innovative company by Charlie Jewell, Project Manager of Marketing & Business Development for the Economic Development Department. Read Mr. Jewell's quote below:

A lot of people don’t realize that there are new startups popping up all the time in Montgomery County, with many of them successfully scaling into job creators for our area. Innovative companies like ...CCS-Inc... are being built from the ground up by entrepreneurs right here in our community."

Click here to read the entire story.

Name: Hutch Gray
Position: Sales Executive
Years at CCS: 3
Responsibilities: I am responsible for developing new business and growing our strategic accounts. I also work closely with our engineering teams to create solutions to solve our customers' problems.
Qualifications: I received a BSBA in Marketing with a focus in Professional Selling from Western Carolina University. I also have 11 years of experience in direct selling technology solutions.
Favorite Part of the Job: Happy customers, which result from working in collaboration with CCS' engineering and production departments to supply exactly what the customer needs when they need it.

Click here to connect with Hutch on LinkedIn.
 

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• Microsoft Restores Transfer Rights for Retail Office 2013 Copies... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the catalog, simply requestinfo@ccs-inc.comus to let us know!

Upcoming Events

• March 18-21, 2013: CCS Attends Microsoft Convergence 2013
• March 21, 2013: CCS Attends RBTC Tech & Toast Meeting
• March 25-28, 2013: CCS Attends ABB Automation & Power World
• April 10-12, 2013: CCS Attends GROWCO Conference
• May 1-4, 2013: CCS Exhibits at CSIA Executive Conference

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• CCS Sponsors TORC Robotics in Global DARPA Challenge

• CCS Operations Moves to New Facility

• Employee Spotlight

CCS is sponsoring TORC Robotics, Technische Universität (TU) Darmstadt (Germany), and Virginia Tech (www.teamvigir.org) in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge.

The technical goal of this revolutionary challenge is to develop ground robots that can support complex tasks in dangerous, degraded, human-engineered environments typical of disaster response scenarios. These robots should be capable of supporting first responders in emergency situations.

Having served TORC’s industrial computing needs since 2011, CCS quickly learned of the companies’ involvement in the DARPA challenge. Eager to assist TORC in this effort to support disaster relief, CCS volunteered to become a sponsor of Team ViGIR. “I am confident that we can offer the technical expertise and service needed to increase the team’s chances of success,” said Marty Muscatello, President and CEO of CCS-Inc.

Learn about the customized solutions that CCS designed for Team ViGIR by clicking the link below.
 

CCS is pleased to announce that its Operations team recently moved to a brand new facility, located at 2285 Prospect Drive NE in Christiansburg, Virginia. This new office was designed to allow CCS to better serve its customers through significant increases in the floor space allotted to CCS’ Production and Warehouse Departments. Having gained 88% and 20% more space, respectively, the additional square footage given to these integral departments will result in better organized workspaces and increased efficiency.

Performing all computer customization in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) controlled environment, CCS’ Production department has gained 16 new benches and 8 new ESD tables. In addition, the warehouse now boasts a caged area to better control non-conforming components.

Other benefits of this new facility include increased security, an improved disaster recovery plan, and more environmentally friendly features like motion sensor lighting and improved insulation.

Name: Bill James
Position: Senior Database Administrator
Time at CCS: 9 months
Responsibilities: I administer CCS’ SQL Server databases and the SharePoint Servers and databases. I also assist the IT Operations team with systems and technical help desk issues.
Qualifications: I have 5 years’ experience as an IT Manager and have been a SQL Database Administrator for almost 17 years. I have worked for a variety of companies in different industries including manufacturing, non-profit, design, and a few software development firms.
Favorite Part of the Job: Working with team members to help improve efficiency in their day-to-day responsibilites.

Click here to connect with Bill on LinkedIn.
 

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• Home Networking Explained: Here's the URL for You... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the catalog, simply requestinfo@ccs-inc.comus to let us know!

Upcoming Events

• February 21, 2013: CCS Attends the February RBTC Tech & Toast Meeting
• March 18-21, 2013: CCS Attends Microsoft Convergence 2013
• March 25-28, 2013: CCS Attends ABB Automation & Power World
• April 10-12, 2013: CCS Attends GROWCO Conference
• May 1-4, 2013: CCS Exhibits at CSIA Executive Conference

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• Case Study: Rackmount Enclosure for Well Monitoring

• CCS Green Team Plants Company Garden and Cleans Local Road

• Employee Spotlight

Universal Pressure Pumping needed a flexible solution that could withstand the tough environmental conditions present at its well monitoring sites. Find out how CCS was able to identify and provide a solution that not only met the customer's needs, but saved Universal considerable time and money.

Last spring, CCS supported the development of an internal “Green Team.” Composed of a multi-disciplinary group of employees, this team was formed to streamline existing corporate environmental efforts, investigate and implement new initiatives, and promote in-house awareness of ecological issues and best practices for both work and home.  Through the use of a Microsoft® SharePoint® site, the Green Team has also provided an avenue for CCS employees to collaborate on ideas which support a greener office and lifestyle. The combination of employee suggestions and Green Team efforts have resulted in enhanced recycling programs, greener waste disposal and pest control practices, participation in a local road cleanup, and the encouraged sharing of seasonal tips and resources.

Another exciting achievement of the Green Team was the creation of a company garden. The team even addressed sustainability practices by using barrels to collect rainwater that was then used to water the crops. Helping to raise awareness of the benefits of consuming local foods, employees enjoyed the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that were harvested throughout the season. Plans for the 2013 garden include nourishing the soil with compost that was “grown” in the company’s backyard – another product of the Green Team!

Learn about the other ways CCS is involved in its local community by clicking here.

Name: Ben Sandbrook
Position: Systems Engineer
Years at CCS: 5.4
Responsibilities: I am responsible for the maintenance and development of systems for some of our largest accounts. I participate in the four major steps of systems engineering: concept development, prototype design, production design, and product sustainment. My work emphasizes rugged embedded systems and networking equipment.
Qualifications: B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech
Favorite Part of the Job: Seeing a concept go from a napkin sketch to a full-fledged product.

Click here to connect with Ben on LinkedIn.
 

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• 5 Key Security Threats in 2013... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the catalog, simply requestinfo@ccs-inc.comus to let us know!

Upcoming Events

• January 17, 2013: CCS Attends the January RBTC Tech & Toast Meeting
• January 20-23, 2013: CCS Attends SolidWorks World 2013
• March 25-28, 2013: CCS Attends ABB Automation & Power World
• May 1-4, 2013: CCS Exhibits at CSIA Executive Conference

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• White Paper: Introduction to Environmental Ratings

• Watch CCS' New Video on Production

• Employee Spotlight

In the world of industrial electronics, there are phrases that simply don’t hold much weight when describing a system.  The problem with such phrases (e.g. “waterproof” and “air-tight”) is that these descriptions do not provide a quantitative measure of their meaning. To address this issue, many organizing bodies have developed design standards for engineers. To learn more about two of the most predominant standards, NEMA Ratings and Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings, click the link below.

When a system has been certified by engineering and approved by the customer, it is ready for production. The production team performs all computer customization in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) controlled facility following carefully formulated build instructions and multi-level inspection procedures. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about the CCS production lab, build sheets, and how engineering communicates product changes.

Name: Megan Hash
Position: Program Manager, Major Accounts
Years at CCS: 5
Responsibilities: Managing current and new sales, orders, opportunities, projects, and products for some of our major accounts.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from Radford University, with a double major in Accounting and Finance.
Favorite Part of the Job: Working with other departments to solve problems or improve processes.

Click here to connect with Megan on LinkedIn.
 

congratulations to our survey raffle winner

CCS would like to extend a congratulations to Kenneth Johnson of Joy Global for winning last month's drawing for a $100 Amazon Giftcard.

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• Internet Explorer Vulnerability Lets Hackers Track Your Mouse Movements... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

Upcoming Events

• December 13, 2012: CCS Attends the December RBTC Tech & Toast Meeting

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• Complete a Five Minute Survey for a Chance to Win an Amazon Gift Card

• Update from Our CEO: Marty Muscatello

• Watch CCS' New Video on Fulfillment

• Customer Spotlight

CCS is conducting a survey among readers of its eNewsletter to understand how it can better serve its audience. All participants who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter themselves in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. The winner will be selected the first week of December and announced in the December edition of the CCS newsletter...just in time for holiday shopping!

Our survey is open to our newsletter subscribers only, if you'd like to join our mailing list, please let us know.

The CCS team works hard to uphold the company’s core values, one of the most important being to “delight the customer.” To measure how we are performing through our customer's eyes, we began distributing customer satisfaction surveys based on the Net Promoter® methodology earlier this year. These surveys asked respondents how likely they were to recommend CCS to a friend or colleague. We received a score of 57 from those of you who completed the survey. With the industry average being 30, we are pleased but not satisfied. We want to improve this score by better serving you, our customers.

On behalf of CCS, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all who participated. The responses collected will be used to further enhance our processes.

The CCS Approach encompasses the full project cycle, from initial consultation to delivery. Shipments are “kitted” so that orders arrive together and ready for installation. When crating and/or palletizing will not suffice, CCS develops custom packaging. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about meeting customer deadlines, custom packaging, export and regulatory compliance, and where CCS products are found.

Name: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary- a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is an 842 square-mile marine protected area located at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay. The sanctuary holds a diverse collection of marine life from great whales to delicate anemones. Numerous historic shipwrecks dot its seafloor. NOAA manages and protects these natural and cultural resources for the American public.
Product Purchased from CCS: ADDAX-i fanless workstation
Application: NOAA needed a computer solution for its Research Vessel Auk that could record mission data during research cruises in the sanctuary. The ADDAX-i was chosen due to its small footprint, lack of moving parts, and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Learn more about the ADDAX-i by clicking here.

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• Microsoft Warns of First Critical Windows 8, RT Security Flaws... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

Upcoming Events

• November 15, 2012: CCS Attends RBTC Tech & Toast Meeting
• December 3-6, 2012: CCS Attends I/ITSEC 2012
• December 5-7, 2012: CCS Attends the International WorkBoat Show

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• Obtaining Windows XP Licensing

• CCS Exhibiting at Pack Expo

• Watch CCS' Newest Video on Prototyping

• Employee Spotlight

Despite the release of Windows Vista®, Windows® 7, and the upcoming release of Windows 8, Windows XP remains widespread in both business and consumer environments. Although Windows XP has not been commercially available since January of 2009, several approaches remain available for end users to obtain the software. To learn more about existing options, click the link below.

Later this month, CCS-Inc. will be co-exhibiting with Indusoft® at PACK EXPO International 2012. Taking place from October 28-31, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, PACK EXPO is "the only trade show to offer packaging, processing and integrated packaging-processing solutions" in one event. For more information, click the link below.

To ensure optimal functionality and a smooth rollout to production, CCS may build a prototype or pilot system for new projects. This phase includes all requested environmental testing - such as thermal/humidity analysis, shock and vibration testing, and EMI/ESD resistance - and allows the customer time to "preview" and give feedback on the final design. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about how the CCS technical team works with yours and the transition from prototype to manufacturing.

Name: Dan Hartman
Position: Materials Manager
Years at CCS: 1 Responsibilities: I manage the procurement team.
Qualifications: I am a Six Sigma Green Belt with 25+ years of experience working in the aerospace industry and 30 years in materials management, including:  planning, scheduling, buying, inventory control, kanban, strategic sourcing, negotiations, and global supply chain. I also studied Business Management at Cambridge College.
Favorite Part of the Job: I like the level of intensity and action with the day-to-day issues in materials; every day is an adventure! I also enjoy being able to build relationships internally and externally within the supply chain. Being able to nurture these relationships helps us to succeed.

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• What are the Cheapest and Easiest Upgrade Paths to Windows 8?... Read Article

CCS Solutions Catalog

Check out CCS-Inc.'s new solutions catalog for an in-depth look at who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

Upcoming Events

• October 28-31, 2012: CCS Co-Exhibits at PACK EXPO

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• CCS Releases Digital Version of NEW Solutions Catalog

• Video: Packaging Webinar Featuring New Panel PC

• Video: CCS' Design Process

• Employee Spotlight

CCS is proud to announce the release of the digital version of our new solutions catalog, which provides a comprehensive overview of who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Contents Include:

• About CCS
• Portfolio
• The CCS Approach
• Industries Served
• Case Studies
• Subsidiaries
• The People of CCS

If you would like a hard copy of the catalog, feel free to requestinfo@ccs-inc.com your mailing address.

CCS and InduSoft co-hosted a packaging webinar on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Discussion focused on how plant operators can improve their packaging with InduSoft® Web Studio HMI SCADA Software and the new Seppala-T Panel PC from CCS. If you're interested in watching the video of our webinar, use the link below.

CCS begins each project by speaking with you and your team to fully understand the challenges your company faces. After evaluating existing systems and project plans, CCS helps identify and refine the critical criteria, including performance, environmental, and budget parameters. We will then propose a customized system using off-the-shelf components or design a completely unique solution "from scratch" to satisfy your requirements. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about how the CCS technical team works with yours, custom options, and vendor qualifications.

Name: Adam Akers
Position: Warehouse Picker II
Years at CCS: 4
Responsibilities: I am responsible for the picking of orders and the processing of order changes. I also handle Return Authorizations and the stocking of material that comes in on a daily basis.
Qualifications: Over 10 years of experience working in the warehouse setting.
Favorite Part of the Job: Getting to interact with the great employees of CCS.

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below:

• Researchers Claim Yet Another Vulnerability Exists in Java... Read Article
• IEEE Admits Password Leak, Says Problem Fixed... Read Article

Upcoming Events

• September 25-27, 2012: CCS Attends the Modern Day Marine Expo
• October 8-9, 2012: CCS Attends TriMech Technical Forum
• October 14-16, 2012: CCS Attends the APICS International Conference & Expo
• October 28-31, 2012: CCS Co-Exhibits at PACK EXPO

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• CCS Releases NEW Panel PC with SCADA Software: the Seppala-T

• Sign Up for our Free Webinar

• Watch CCS' New Video on Lifecycle Management

• Employee Spotlight

CCS is proud to announce the release of its newest product: the Seppala-T, a cost-effective panel PC for HMI applications.  Available pre-loaded with InduSoft® Web Studio™ HMI SCADA software, this rugged computer has a touchscreen display and is built on Intel® Atom™ technology. The Seppala-T utilizes solid state drives and a fanless configuration, enhancing reliability and durability. Capable of withstanding harsh conditions, the Seppala-T’s front panel is IP-65 compliant and designed to meet NEMA 4 standards. Click the link below to learn more about this turnkey solution.

Sign up for our Free Webinar

CCS-Inc.’s newest product, the Seppala-T Panel PC, is available pre-loaded with InduSoft® Web Studio HMI SCADA software, an easy-to-use packaging SCADA application designed for turning data into high yield production. By combining the power of InduSoft® with the Seppala-T Panel PC, it's possible to rapidly modernize and enhance any production line.  During the webinar:

• Discover how InduSoft® Web Studio can improve your production line with the help of import wizards: InduSoft’s built-in driver connections which enable the solution to easily replace proprietary legacy systems.
•  Learn about the ease with which it’s possible to integrate the Seppala-T Panel PC with the PLCs and automation systems on your factory floor.
•  Explore the benefits of using Panel PCs from CCS designed from off the shelf components.
•  Learn how the new Seppala-T Panel PC from CCS can help your organization increase efficiency while saving money.

CCS knows its clients value system designs that last, so long lifecycle components are used whenever possible. Utilizing industry knowledge and partnerships, CCS can maintain a design for years through a variety of technical and supply chain management programs, including extended warranties and service packages. If components go “end of life” (EOL), the Engineering Change Notification (ECN) process ensures that modifications are made without causing compatibility issues. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about component selection, sustaining designs, and revision control.

Name: Erin Stanley
Position: Inside Sales Rep, Major Accounts
Years at CCS: 1
Responsibilities: I help to support the Major Accounts business by: providing quototations to my customers upon request, gathering customer expectations and requirements for new/existing projects, and communicating that information to applicable departments internally. Correspondingly, I serve as a liason between my customers and the CCS departments they depend on. I am a true customer advocate in all scenarios. Maintaining visibility and oversight of purchase orders from receipt to shipping, I am happy to assist in expedite, pull-in, and push-out requests or any other types of updates or concerns throughout this process. I am responsible and accountable for issue resolution throughout the entire sales cycle, including post-shipment support.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Degree from Radford University and 5+ years of sales experience.
Favorite Part of the Job: My customers, of course! I am blessed to work with both domestic and international customers, so I truly appreciate the broad client base that I serve.

CCS Selected as an InduSoft Certified Hardware Vendor

To learn more about CCS' newest certification, here is a statement from InduSoft's VP of Quality Assurance:

"To be classified as an InduSoft® certified hardware vendor, the vendor’s equipment must pass all of our strict hardware conformance and validation tests. Successful completion ensures that our software products will properly function on the vendor’s equipment. The Seppala-T has successfully passed all necessary testing, and the unit has received InduSoft’s stamp of approval. InduSoft is delighted to partner with CCS to provide a dependable, user-friendly unit that helps factories focus on what they do best.”

- Andre Bastos, Vice President of Quality Assurance, InduSoft®

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are intersted in by checking out the links below:

• Crisis Malware Targets Virtual Machines... Read Article
• Goodbye, Hotmail. Hello, Outlook.com... Read Article

Upcoming Events

• September 10-13, 2012: CCS-Inc. Exhibits at AUTOTESTCON
• September 13, 2012: CCS Attends MET Global Product Compliance Seminar
• September 15. 2012: CCS Sponsors the Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival
• September 19, 2012: CCS & InduSoft® Co-Host Free Packaging Webinar
• September 25-27, 2012: CCS Attends the Modern Day Marine Expo
• October 8-9, 2012: CCS Attends TriMech Technical Forum
• October 14-16, 2012: CCS Attends the APICS International Conference & Expo
• October 28-31, 2012: CCS Co-Exhibits at PACK EXPO

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• White Paper: Essential Criteria to Consider When Choosing RAM

• Update From the CEO of CCS: Marty Muscatello

• Watch CCS' New Video on Program Management

• Employee Spotlight

When looking for a new computer, there are many important factors to consider before beginning your project - one of the most essential being the specifications of the RAM that will be included. Due to the variety of options available, picking the right specifications for your system can be an extremely time consuming task. To help with this process, one Computer Design Engineer at CCS has compiled a checklist of essential criteria to consider. View these guidelines by clicking on the link below.

Update From the CEO of CCS: Marty Muscatello

CCS is constantly working to improve its processes and delight its customers. One way that we assess our performance is by conducting customer satisfaction surveys. The feedback we receive helps us determine how to better serve our clients. In fact, we are currently in the middle of the second round of surveys for the year. If you receive one, please take the time (only two minutes!) to complete the form so that CCS can continue to find ways to improve.

We appreciate our customers and would like to include you in that group if you aren’t already. Check out this video to get a better idea of who we are and how we operate. I think you’ll like what you see.

CCS works hard to provide the highest possible level of customer support. Each new account is assigned both a primary sales and primary technical contact to facilitate effective communication. As a service to its clients, CCS created the online Customer Care Center (CCC) to provide visibility of shipping, pricing, and compliance information. Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about the Customer Care Center.

Name: Ian Bacon
Position: Computer Design Engineer
Years at CCS: 4
Responsibilities: Working with customers to evaluate their requirements and determining the best fit custom solution. This process can vary from relatively simple jobs that can be completed in just a few hours to leading a team of people in year-long projects.
Qualifications: Years of experience working and designing many generations of computer components, as well as a Computer Engineering degree from Purdue University.
Favorite Part of the Job: That moment in a project when an ounce of preparation pays back in pounds.
 

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are intersted in by checking out the links below:

• Windows 8 Release Date... Read Article
• Microsoft Unveils the New Office... Read Article
• Why Sticking With Windows XP is a Bad Idea... Read Article

Upcoming Events

• August 6-9, 2012: CCS Attends AUVSI's Umanned Systems North America
• September 10-13, 2012: CCS-Inc. Exhibits at AUTOTESTCON
• September 15. 2012: CCS Sponsors the Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival
• September 25-27, 2012: CCS Attends the Modern Day Marine Expo
• October 14-16, 2012: CCS Attends the APICS International Conference & Expo
• October 28-31, 2012: CCS Co-Exhibits at PACK EXPO

Click here for a full description of these events.

In this Issue...

• White Paper: Utilizing and Protecting Carbon Steel in Industrial Environments

• Watch CCS' New Video on Quality Management

• Employee Spotlight

Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in industrial applications due to its low cost, high strength, and durability. This white paper focuses on the use of steel for these purposes and common methods for protecting carbon steel in industrial environments.

Watch CCS' New Video on Quality Management

Registered as an ISO 9001:2008 company, CCS is focused on continuous improvement. The company strives to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness through quality awareness. Click the link below to watch a video on how quality affects cost, part tracking, pick accuracy, production checkpoints, build consistency, and hardware diagnostics.

Name: Kristina Youker
Position: Accounts Receivable Administrator
Time at CCS: 9 months
Responsibilities: Manage and process incoming payments to CCS and Qualtrax, distribute customer invoices, ensure customer credit memos are applied appropriately, process credit card transactions, assist the company Controller with sales and use taxes, communicate with customers on account inquiries and requests, assist Accounts Payable and Administrative Assistant as needed, and process internal inventory adjustments.
Qualifications: 3 years of hands-on experience assisting in Accounts Receivable
Favorite Part of the Job: I enjoy the problem solving tasks that come with this position. If our customer has questions about their invoice or an order, I am always glad to assist and ensure that the customer has all the information they need, following CCS' core value of Delighting the Customer!
 

engineers reading corner

Find out what the engineers at CCS are intersted in by checking out the links below:

• Attack Code Published for 'Critical' IE Flaw; Patch Your Browser Now... Read Article
• Experts Show How 'Flame' Malware Fakes Windows... Read Article

Upcoming Events

• August 6-9, 2012: CCS Attends AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America
• September 10-13, 2012: CCS-Inc. Exhibits at AUTOTESTCON
• September 15, 2012: CCS Sponsors the Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival
• September 25-27, 2012: CCS Attends the Modern Day Marine Expo
• October 28-31, 2012: CCS Co-Exhibits at PACK EXPO

Click here for a full description of these events.