DCA Launches Manufacturers' Representative Channel and Signs Strategic Marketing

Design Chain Associates, LLC today launched a new sales channel for their Design Chain consulting services via Manufacturers' Representatives. The first to be appointed, with channel-exclusive rights throughout Texas, is Strategic Marketing, based in Austin, Texas and managed by Bob Branch.

San Francisco, California – June 28, 2002 – Design Chain Associates, LLC today launched a new sales channel for their Design Chain consulting services via Manufacturers' Representatives. The first to be appointed, with channel-exclusive rights throughout Texas, is Strategic Marketing, based in Austin, Texas and managed by Bob Branch.
Strategic Marketing now offers DCA's strategic management consulting and technology solutions for the many Electronics OEMs headquartered in Texas or that run design or manufacturing operations in the state. DCA's solutions to strategic industry problems that have plagued OEMs for years include: new product risk reduction, outsourced manufacturing integration, and acquisition integration.

"Manufacturers' Representatives will act as a sales force for us," said Michael Kirschner, President of DCA. "The virtue of an experienced and reputable rep like Bob Branch is his wealth of knowledge and understanding of customer requirements, sensitivity to customer needs, and contacts. DCA targets both product development engineering and procurement at high tech electronics OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Manufacturers' Representatives do too; so selling through the rep channel makes complete sense for us."

Manufacturers Representatives understand the key problems that the Electronics OEMs business must overcome. "Many firms focus on the symptom, but not the root cause", said Michael Kirschner. "For instance, the OEM's Engineering department tends to chase specific electronic component technologies and the suppliers that offer them for a new product design alone. This is often done without any structured process or without capturing the business logic of both development and manufacturing requirements. So they and their procurement and operations organizations end up dealing with the same or similar problems on the next new product design effort. The result is higher risk to the corporation and delayed time-to-market for each and every new product introduction. Also, many OEMs have moved, or are moving, to an outsourced manufacturing business model. This is a difficult and risky process if design and/or manufacturing deficiencies are not solved prior to the outsourcing transition. Another similar, yet critical, problem is the process of acquiring a new corporation's design and supply chains; i.e. acquisition integration. It is high risk and fraught with problems. Now, DCA has a strong Manufacturers Representative in Texas who is able to identify strategic problems like these at his customers and can offer a solution."

"When I learned about DCA, I could see application in many of the accounts I call on," said Bob Branch, President of Strategic Marketing. "DCA can help my customers reduce product costs, improve time-to-market, and operate more efficiently. And now with Tom Valliere, whom I've known and respected for many years, joining DCA as a local Texas-based resource, my enthusiasm for and knowledge of the quality of service DCA can provide skyrocketed. We're delighted to be representing DCA."

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About Strategic Marketing
Strategic Marketing is an award-winning Manufacturers Representative firm that has been recognized for its excellence in service" by both customers and suppliers. Founded by Bob Branch, President, Strategic Marketing is known for its market and customer knowledge as well as for its comprehensive technical understanding of the products and services it represents. Identified by and valued for its consistent and tireless service to both customers and suppliers alike, Strategic Marketing is headquartered in Austin, TX and has satellite operations based in Oklahoma City, OK and Guadalajara, MX. For more information, visit Strategic Marketing's web site at http://www.strategic-marketing.com.

About Design Chain Associates, LLC
Design Chain Associates, LLC provides consulting services to Electronics Original Equipment Manufacturers. DCA focuses on the Design Chain, which defines and sets up the Supply Chain. DCA brings strategic value to clients through "Best Practice" process and methodology guidance on supplier and component selection, qualification, and lifecycle management. DCA also provides other core services relating to corporate acquisition integration; "womb-to-tomb" Component Engineering support; and software tool assessment, configuration guidance, and user education. San Francisco-based DCA has a presence in other high-tech regions of the country such as the Austin/Houston corridor and the Boston region. For more information, visit DCA on the web at http://www.designchainassociates.com.