The TCO of In-House Compute System Builds is Higher Than You Think
Building compute systems in-house can look flexible at first, but lower total cost of ownership (TCO) rises rapidly with hidden costs, delays, and distractions adding up. What starts as a custom build can become a drain on engineering time, launch schedules, and operating margin. Fulfilment bottlenecks and global scaling add complexity along with everything else.
That’s Where Arrow Comes In
Avoid all the headache and optimize costs by choosing Arrow as a single partner across design support, integration, manufacturing, global fulfillment, deployment, and lifecycle services. Offload your hardware and integration needs to us so your team can focus on innovation, not infrastructure.
Reduce hidden integration costs
Free up engineering resources
Scale without adding overhead
Simplify lifecycle management
What’s Driving Higher In-House Build Costs?
The biggest cost issues often come from the work surrounding the hardware, not the hardware itself.
In-House Engineering
Managing BIOS configuration, OS imaging, compatibility checks, and hardware assembly can divert technical teams from strategic development.
Rework & Returns
Misconfigurations, testing errors, and inconsistent fulfillment can lead to project delays, RMAs, warranty costs, and customer disruption.
Logistic Bottlenecks
Fragmented sourcing, late-stage kitting, and inefficient logistics can create avoidable cost across the deployment process.
Global Scaling
Expanding into new regions adds compliance, consistency, and delivery challenges that can increase cost and slow execution.
What Lower TCO Looks Like for Arrow Customers
Industrial Automation Leader
50%
Increase in profitability by shifting to integrated commercial systems, reducing software development bottlenecks.
*Source VDC Research
Medical Device OEM
20%
Reduction in project timelines, leveraging connected healthcare solutions through enterprise-class platforms.
*Source VDC Research
Arrow Integration Services and Dell OEM hardware
With Arrow integration services you can meet your product goals without hidden overheads eating into your margins. We work with OEMs, ISVs and solution providers to deliver fully integrated, application-ready systems using Dell’s trusted commercial platforms. From early design through to deployment, Arrow manages hardware integration, software configuration, quality control, and global fulfilment to get your products built and to market rapidly and cost-efficiently.
Built on Dell, Delivered by Arrow
Dell brings long-life commercial platforms, security, flexible form factors, and OEM customization options. Arrow turns those platforms into ready-to-ship solutions through integration, testing, packaging, and global execution.
| Service Type | Description |
| Hardware Configuration | Integration of servers, workstations, embedded platforms, racks, kiosks, and edge devices |
| Software Imaging | Custom OS images, application deployment, firmware/BIOS configuration, and diagnostics |
| New Product Introduction (NPI) | First article validation, process development, testing automation, and quality assurance |
| Rack-Level Integration | Full cabinet assembly, cable management, system clustering, and environmental testing |
| Branding & Custom Packaging | Custom bezels, splash screens, labeling, documentation kits, and serialized tracking |
| Global Fulfillment | Regional warehousing, secure crating, drop-shipment, customs compliance, and RMA logistics |
Use Cases We Support
Arrow’s integration services are trusted by technology providers across industries:
- Healthcare: Diagnostic systems, patient monitoring, and imaging servers
- Industrial & Manufacturing: Ruggedized control systems, edge gateways, and factory compute
- Security & Networking: Clustered appliances, firewalls, and network analytics platforms
- ISVs and Software as a Service (SaaS) Providers: Preconfigured hardware platforms for on-premises delivery
- Retail & Finance: Point of Sale (POS) infrastructure, branch compute, and compliance ready nodes
Why Partner With Arrow?
- Proven integration expertise
- Certified facilities and personnel
- Flexible engagement models
- One point of accountability for design, integration, fulfillment, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arrow's integration services entail?
Arrow operates integration centers around the globe that provide hardware and software integration services. In these centers, we add hardware to computing and storage devices to customize them to be purpose-built. Our customers’ proprietary software is loaded and configured on the devices for delivery to their end users, and multiple systems are configured together in rack enclosures for larger deployments. The results are high-quality products produced efficiently and globally.
What types of integration does Arrow offer?
Arrow offers a comprehensive range of integration services, including:
- Hardware Configuration: Servers, workstations, storage devices, full rack enclosures, kiosks, and displays
- Software Configuration: Custom image deployment, OS installation, application installation, diagnostics, and firmware and BIOS configuration
- Design Validation, Prototyping, and NPI: Building product concept prototypes for validation and development
- Scaling Solutions: Kitting and bundling, labeling, FRU kitting and testing, and power and connector assembly
- Integration Logistics: Inbound source inspection, packaging, data capture, crating, and consolidation services
What hardware configuration services does Arrow provide?
Arrow configures various hardware components, including:
- Servers and workstations
- Storage devices
- Full rack enclosures
- Kiosks and displays
- Motherboard population
- Power and connector assembly
- Cooling and thermal management
What software configuration services does Arrow offer?
Our software configuration services include:
- Custom image deployment
- Operating system installation
- Application installation and configuration
- Diagnostic testing
- Firmware and BIOS configuration
- Networking configuration
- Customer VPN access for remote configuration
- Scripting and reporting
How does Arrow's integration process work with new products?
Arrow follows a trusted New Product Introduction (NPI) process that enhances integration consistency and efficiency. This includes product validation, development of build instructions, review of the first article, and establishment of quality control processes to ensure your new product meets all specifications and quality standards.
Can Arrow help with product prototypes?
Arrow builds product concept prototypes for validation and development, helping customers test and refine their products before full-scale production.
How does Arrow handle confidential or proprietary technologies?
Arrow implements strict security protocols to protect your intellectual property, including secure facilities with controlled access, confidentiality agreements, and VPN access options for remote monitoring and proprietary software installation.
Where are Arrow's integration facilities located?
Arrow operates integration facilities in multiple regions worldwide:
- Phoenix, USA: 68,000 square feet of production space and 134,000 square feet of warehousing
- Nogales, Mexico: 13,000 square feet of production space and 28,000 square feet of warehousing
- Budapest, Hungary: 2,250 square meters of production space, 350 square meters of engineering space, and 5,150 square meters of warehousing
- Israel: 4,200 square meters of production space, 600 square meters of engineering space, and 700 square meters of warehousing
How does Arrow's integration service help optimize costs?
Arrow helps optimize costs by:
- Leveraging our existing infrastructure instead of building your own
- Ensuring consistent and high-quality products that reduce warranty issues
- Providing flexible production capacity to match your demand
- Offering global facilities to minimize logistics and shipping costs
- Utilizing experienced personnel who improve efficiency and reduce errors
Does Arrow offer other services besides integration?
Arrow offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Supply Chain Services: Maintain product availability worldwide while keeping costs and risks low
- Engineering Services: Reduce product development time and improve design using the latest technologies
- Deployment and Support Services: Expert in-field installation, support, and management services
