What Happens Behind the Scenes of Sparing Equipment with TPM

Service-level agreements (SLA) are the binding factor in a relationship with your vendor. Typically, they are as simple as ordering an Uber and as important as a passport when traveling internationally.

Whether the SLA is for a replacement drive or your most critical network device, the SLA needs to be met on the agreed-upon expectations. But have you ever wondered what goes into keeping that promise?

Maybe you've taken your maintenance provider at their word and haven't had to ask that question. All you know is that a spare is there when you need it to keep your network up and running worry-free. Or has your maintenance provider ever missed an SLA?

If so, you've likely wondered why your maintenance provider did not meet the SLA requirements. Today, we bring you behind the scenes of sparing to give you an insider look at what happens in order to meet SLA requirements.

You may be thinking, "I don't need to know what happens in order to meet an SLA just as long as it is met." We agree completely. Unfortunately —and way more often than we like!—we've heard from clients that NBD usually means 3 days later. That's the classic case of missed SLAs that plague the TPM industry.

The First Step in Sparing: Testing the Replacement Gear

The first look behind the scenes of sparing begins with the first step of guaranteeing the correct spare is found by the TPM. With OneCall maintenance, the first step is to undergo a series of tests.

We have a team of Level 1 engineers focused on testing equipment at our facility to ensure that we, as the maintenance provider, know everything we need to know so that we meet the SLA requirements.

We want to know the ins and outs of both the parent device and replacement so we can communicate to you everything about the spare sitting on the shelf waiting to be deployed.

Knowing that spare is going to fire up as soon as it is plugged into your network is important. Much like knowing your passport is 1) in your travel bag and 2) going to get you into the country.

Testing doesn't stop from the initial test upon receiving it in our facility. The device will undergo cycle testing through its time on the shelf as a replacement. This ensures that the device will operate as needed when deployed.

Alongside the rigorous testing is our quality certification from our in-house team. Through our ISO 9001 certification, we guarantee a visual inspection and proper storage that meet compliance standards and regulations.