Key takeaways:
- Spectra delivered a complete custom replacement system in six months, from purchase order to delivery
- The replacement stayed compatible with the customer’s existing third-party cards, avoiding disruption to their infrastructure
- A second phase is already underway to remove dependency on third-party cards entirely, building a platform Spectra will bring to the broader market
- The project shows Spectra can execute complex, high-volume customization work on tight timelines, not just off-the-shelf products
When a long-standing customer needed a mission-critical replacement fast, Spectra Norway delivered a complete rugged data recording solution in six months, on schedule and without compromise.
The customer’s existing computer product had reached end of support, but the mission requirement hadn’t changed. New units were needed quickly, the replacement had to work with the same third-party cards already in the field, and it had to meet the same rugged, reliable standard the customer had come to expect from Spectra.
The challenge
Spectra had already delivered hundreds of rugged computing units to this customer over the years, building a track record for reliable design and fast turnaround. That history is why the customer came back when the timeline got tight. Three requirements shaped the project from the outset:
- The new system had to work with the same third-party cards the customer had already purchased
- The timeline was urgent, and a solution was needed quickly
- The product had to meet the same rugged, reliable standards the customer expected from Spectra
A two-phase approach
Phase 1: Immediate replacement
Spectra’s engineering team developed a clean-sheet electronics and mechanical design, creating a complete replacement system compatible with the customer’s existing third-party cards. From purchase order to delivery, the entire development process took approximately six months.
Phase 2: Enhanced platform
The second phase moved beyond the immediate fix, designing out the third-party cards and integrating similar functionality into an alternative design built for future growth. That phase took another six months and will ultimately form the basis of a product Spectra brings to the broader market.
Results
Both phases were completed on schedule, delivering a reliable replacement system that maintained compatibility with the customer’s existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for future capability. The project is a clear example of Spectra’s ability to execute complex customization work under tight timelines, backed by core strengths in high-frequency design and rugged mechanical engineering.
Why customers choose Spectra for customization
Customization is one of the most underemphasized parts of Spectra’s business. As a product company rather than a consultancy, Spectra pursues programs with the volume to support a custom build, and when that volume is there, the team executes complex customization projects efficiently, for the customer and for Spectra.
Read the full customer success story, including the complete breakdown of both project phases, at the link below.