Resellers get set to build Toshiba US kit

Vendor plans to alleviate delivery bottlenecks by allowing channel partners to assemble its PCs

Toshiba US is hoping to reduce its delivery times by passing on responsibility for assembling and configuring PC systems to its channel partners.

The notebook manufacturer ? which recently entered the PC market for the first time ? is expected to begin allowing its resellers to assemble machines to alleviate the supply problems that have traditionally affected the company.

Tom Scott, vice president and general manager of the computer systems division of Toshiba US, said: ?We?ve got to work much closer with our channel on taking advantage of the most efficient time to buy a component and the most efficient location to put that component into our product.?

Although the configuration scheme will be implemented within the next six months, Scott said Toshiba US will not feel the benefit of it for at least a year.

The plan is not expected to be rolled out in the UK until next year. Murray McKerlie, Toshiba UK product marketing manager, said Toshiba was currently not shipping in sufficient volume to make the proposal a realistic option for the UK.

?This sounds like a good move for Toshiba US,? he said. ?We have a lot more growing to do before we reach the volume threshold where we follow suit.?

Toshiba will launch desktop PCs in the UK in the summer, according to McKerlie. It is not yet clear whether the company will use distributors to supply its product or continue with its policy of supplying resellers direct.

As Toshiba continues its move away from its core notebook products, the manufacturer will make its entrance into the PC server market in 1998.

?The success of these product lines will be a strong determinant of when and if we ask our channel to work with us on assembly,? said McKerlie.