How to set up and operate a successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa: A planning and management guide

Submitted by Editor on 1 November, 2004 - 17:09.

This guide describes the steps involved in opening a computer refurbishment centre in Africa and managing it into productivity. It is intended to distill best practices and provide information on proven methods that could be replicated in refurbishment centres across the continent.

Jump to: Acknowledgements

 

Table of contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1 Tapping the potential of refurbished computers for Africa
1.1 Issues around refurbished computers in Africa
1.2 The guide for African computer refurbishment centres
2 Overview of the computer refurbishment industry
2.1 Global market trends
2.2 The African market
PART I. ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A COMPUTER REFURBISHMENT CENTRE IN AFRICA
3 Outlook on African computer refurbishment centres
3.1 Constraints to viability in Africa
3.2 Two models
4 Business drivers
4.1 Market position
4.2 Cost drivers
4.3 Demand drivers
4.4 Critical success factor for management: quality through process orientation
5 Supply management
5.1 Types of suppliers
5.2 Considerations for choosing between suppliers: corporate or donor?
5.3 Price comparison
5.4 What to buy: evaluating offers
5.5 Recommended minimum specifications
5.6 Purchasing thin clients
5.7 Monitors, keyboards and mice
5.8 Supplementary ICT equipment
5.9 Local donation
5.10 Supply management
6 Shipping and customs
6.1 Importing: assessing local conditions 6.2 Shipping volumes
6.3 Shipping costs
6.4 Shipping procedures
6.5 Freight forwarders and clearing agents
6.6 Customs and duties
6.7 Keys to reducing shipping costs
6.8 Policy issues
7 Product profiles
7.1 Standalone computer: possible specifications
7.2 Computer laboratory: Possible products
7.3 Applications
7.4 Security issues
7.5 Data backup
7.6 Licensing Windows: Microsoft Authorised Refurbishment Scheme
7.7 Free/open source software
7.8 Product testing
8 Inventory
8.1 What is an inventory management system?
8.2 Tracking numbers
8.3 Inventory management options
8.4 Planning for inventory management
8.5 The management aspect
9 Staffing
9.1 Management and steering committees
9.2 Key roles
9.3 Technical staff: skills development
9.4 Motivating staff through production targets
10 Increasing impact and ensuring sustainability
10.1 Priority ranking
10.2 Additional considerations for schools
10.3 Additional considerations for businesses and organisations
11 Technical support
11.1 Problem solving strategies
11.2 Service strategies
11.3 Staffing needs
11.4 Pro-active support
11.5 Service standards, timelines and escalation
11.6 Technical support management software
12 Facilities and infrastructure
12.1 Size considerations
12.2 Electricity
12.3 Telephony and Internet connectivity
12.4 Paying for and equipping the centre
12.5 ICT equipment
12.6 Location considerations
13 Partnerships
13.1 Recipients
13.2 Telecommunications provider
13.3 Training partner
13.4 Government
13.5 Tertiary institutions
13.6 Materials recycling
13.7 SchoolNet Africa's "One million computers for African schools" initiative
14 Centre development chart: key concepts and priorities
PART II. TECHNICAL PROCEDURES FOR COMPUTER REFURBISHMENT
15 Cleaning
15.1 Dust extraction
15.2 Cleaning the cases
16 Testing
16.1 Diagnostic software options
16.2 Harddrive testing
16.3 Monitor testing utilities
16.4 Preparing the workshop
16.5 Documenting testing procedures
17 Assembly, software installation and configuration
17.1 PC assembly
17.2 Operating system installation
17.3 Driver installation
17.4 Configuring network settings
17.5 Ethernet cabling
17.6 Application installation
17.7 Simultaneous software installation
18 Quality assurance testing
18.1 Burn-in testing
18.2 Optional burn-in testing: longevity and temperature testing
18.3 Quality assurance: appearance and performance checklist
18.4 Testing Guidelines
19 Rollout and installation
ANNEXES (attached separately)
Annex A. Sources of used computers
Annex B. Tariffs and taxes on computer hardware and software
Annex C. Sample quantity orders from Liquidationstation.com’s mailing list
Annex D. Clearance line - GMCUK
Annex E. Sample pallet offer from GMCUK – 19/05/04
Annex F. Sample prices – GE Refurbishment – June 02, 2004
Annex G. Sample prices – GE Refurbishment – June 02, 2004
Annex H. LTSP resources
Annex I. Online technical guides and resources
Annex J. Model total cost of provision of computer labs to schools – SchoolNet Namibia
Annex K. Sample paper inventory: CPU / Motherboard Unit
Annex L. Sample quality assurance checklist
Annex M. E-Waste: electronics recycling and implications
Annex N. Shipping documentation
Annex O. List of people contacted
Annex P. The bridges.org Real Access / Real Impact criteria

 

Acknowledgements

This report was prepared as part of the Catalysing Access to ICT in Africa (CATIA) programme, UK Department for International Development (DFID): Component 2a /open source software and low-cost computing.

The guide was made possible by the generous support of the Catalysing Access to ICT In Africa (CATIA) initiative, a three-year programme of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in close collaboration with other donors and role players.

We would like to thank Philipp Schmidt, Technology Programme Manager at bridges.org for compiling this guide, and the individuals and organisations, including the eight African refurbishment initiatives visited, which agreed to be interviewed and provided the firsthand information upon which this document is based. Their willingness to engage and share experiences enriched this guide immeasurably, and has proven to be a valuable contribution to the field. A full list of those interviewed is included in Annex O.

We are also grateful to the many individuals that helped with logistical support. We would like to give special thanks to SchoolNet Africa for sharing data with us. We urge readers to have a look at SchoolNet Africa's Integrated training programme to set up technical service centres in support of education in African schools, at http://www.schoolnetafrica.net.

login or register to post comments
Felizbingo new on this
Submitted by Felizbingo on 2 September, 2010 - 11:30.
When I try on this I just unlocked my mind and bingo read and fresh of all.
login or register to post comments
It is by no means unusual to
Submitted by jewellery on 2 September, 2010 - 06:38.
It is by no means unusual to links of london see women shuttling among jewelry stores where various jewelries have great attraction to them. links of london jewellery  People born under Libra are often fair and elegant.  Since jewels, as an indispensable links of london sale ornament to dresses, play an jewelry important role in displaying one's distinctive personalities if they are properly matched.
login or register to post comments
Thus terms 1,3 and terms
Submitted by shawnmike12 on 31 August, 2010 - 09:52.
Thus terms 1,3 and terms 9,11 in table 12.4 testking 642-446 form the product term BD eliminating variable A. Whilst comparing terms testking 642-383 in table 12.4, a pair of terms which are different in a single variable are used testking 70-662. The terms 1,3 and 9,11 are different in a single variable A only testking 350-018. All terms in table 12.4 which form a simpler product term eliminating a single variable are marked as used in table 12.4 testking 642-456. In table 12.5 testking 70-270 there are 6 product terms of two variables each. If the terms in table 12.5 are compared, none of them form pairs to eliminate a vtestking 642-873 ariable, thus all the 6 terms testking 70-291are marked as not used. An unmarked term represents a Prime Implicant. The exhaustive testking 70-432 search for Prime Implicants has been completed. No more terms can be eliminated testking 642-504 therefore the termsBD,AC,CD ,BC ,AD and AB are considered to be Prime Implicants testking 640-721. In the second step of Quine-McCluskey method the essential and minimal Prime testking 642-373 Implicants are found. The Prime Implicants found in the first step are listed in left most testking 646-671 column of the table. Table 12.6. All the original minterms are listed in the top row testking HP0-D07.In each cell an x is marked indicating that the Prime Implicant listed in the left testking CISA column covers the minterm mentioned in the top row. Thus the Prime Implicant BD covers the minterms 1, 3, 9 and 11. In other words minterms 1, 3, 9 and 11 all have the product terms BD. The table 12.6 can be directly implemented from table 12.5.
login or register to post comments
nike shoes
Submitted by cheap jordans on 31 August, 2010 - 09:41.
UGG boots are popular among the young generation. But it doesn’t popularize in women jordans the students. Uggs company has discovered that there is a great potential market Cheap Nikes among the students. So they inrtroduce various kinds of ugg boots for students. ugg boots These ugg boots are in trendy style and full of vitality. We are Cheap Watches confident that they will be the hot-item in the market. As ugg becomes Cheap Handbags a trend in the fashion field each year. The students are the majority Air Jordan Retro to pursue for the fashion. So they will pay attention to the trend. grey ugg classic tall boots And many students have heard of UGG boots. Now, UGG boots are the UGG shoes new fad for teenagers. At first, these uggs are the hot-sellings for girls. ugg classic tall boots grey And it becomes popular among boys.With the coming of winter, ugg boots are Air Jordan Fusions in great demand because the quality is in no doubt. They provide the Polo Shirts feet with warmth. The sole is made of suede material which is very jordan shoes sturdy and durable. The logo of the company is visible on the upper jordan 2010 which can show your elegance. Our company introduce the series of cheap uggs. nfl jerseys Students are affordable to buy them. This kind of perfect UGG boots is Uggs designed for you. We believe their parents will agree with their children to Coach Handbags buy a pair of uggs in the approaching winter. It’s not only warm coach handbags to them, but a true love to them.Now, UGG boots are available in Ed Hardy many concord colours for students, like sand, grey, black chestnut and so on. UGG Shoes They are affordable in the marketplace. A lot of markets online offer these cheap jordans .
login or register to post comments
good
Submitted by qing821 on 31 August, 2010 - 07:29.
uggs store, ugg boots outlet, ugg boots, ugg boots sale, uggs sale, uggs on sale,
login or register to post comments
To Rip Blu ray, the Blu-ray
Submitted by taoruankj on 30 August, 2010 - 05:32.
To Rip Blu ray, the Blu-ray ripper will be your best choice. Before Convert Blu ray to DVD, just free download Blu-ray to DVD Converter, install to your computer. Insert a Blu Ray disk to drive, and then run Blu Ray to DVD Converter.
login or register to post comments
replica watches
Submitted by gaolin on 31 August, 2010 - 06:33.
trained tendon bvlgari necklace in his right forearm. But oris williams f1 the first scan raised enough bvlgari diamond rings questions for the team to dior shoes men order a more enhanced MRI. "He's juicy couture keychain young so he'll probably bounce breitling chronomat b01 back maybe a little bit chanel replicas quicker than someone in their speedmaster day date mid 30s," said Dr. Bradford patek philippe classic Parsons, an orthopedic surgeon at baume mercier linea New York's Mount Sinai Hospital bvlgari replica who specializes in shoulder and chanel belly button rings elbow surgery. Parsons has not Dior Jewelry examined Strasburg. "He has a jewelry lin
login or register to post comments
123
Submitted by weddingdresses123 on 28 August, 2010 - 06:50.
Shopping Modest Bridal Gowns Modest Bridal Gowns is one of the biggest parts of planning a wedding that Modest Bridal Gowns can be either Modest Bridal Gown fun or very stressful. Summer is almost here and so are the vibrant and pastel colors coming back into the bridesmaid Beach Bridal Gown dress season. It is important to take the weather into consideration when choosing the right. Even though the bride’s Beach Bridal Gowns wedding dress is the Plus Size Bridal Gowns most important of the day, the bridesmaids’ dresses are also pretty significant. Depending on how many bridesmaids you have, the actual process of choosing the dresses will vary. For instance, if you have a Simple Bridal Gown lot of bridesmaids you will probably have to work a bit harder to make sure that they all coordinate with each other. But on the other hand if you only have a small group of bridesmaids you have a much better chance that Sexy Bridal Gowns everyone will be able to agree on a style.Bridesmaid plays an important role in planning the event, be it the bridal shower and the bachelorette party or just contacting guests. May be it is the bride who takes the center stage during Short Bridal Gown her special day. But the dressing style of the bridesmaid also adds on to the elegance of the wedding dress of the bride. Vintage Bridal Gowns The bridesmaid along with her wedding bridesmaid dresses augments a unique décor of the entire event. Just like the Designer Bridal Gown variety of styles available there are various different colors in which bridesmaid dresses are available Casual Bridal Gown too.It is also important to match harmoniously with the bride’s dress and the general setting of the occasion. Make sure Classic Bridal Gown to choose such Classic Bridal Gowns a color for the bridesmaid dresses that can match the flowers and accessories that you would be using. Lighter and pastel colored bridesmaids dresses are best suited for spring or summer time wedding ceremony. And if the wedding ceremony takes place during the fall and winter then choose bridesmaid Modest Bridal Gowns Modest Bridal Gowns dresses in darker colors.
login or register to post comments
prefabrik
Submitted by prefabrik on 26 August, 2010 - 05:57.
thanks for this good sharing and for more informaion; prefabrik
login or register to post comments
Christian Louboutin Sale
Submitted by xiaorao123 on 26 August, 2010 - 01:30.
12rl An good artical Christian Louboutin Sale for Christian Louboutin Canada you Christian Louboutin to Christian Louboutin Shoes read, make Louboutin Shoes Canada you Christian Louboutin Shoes Canada to Buy Christian Louboutin Canada know Cheap Louboutin Shoes Canada what Louboutin Boots you Christian Louboutin Boots want, let Buy Louboutin Boots you Cheap Louboutin Boots be Cheap Louboutin Boots Canada more Christian Louboutin Wedges charming Louboutin Wedges Canada and Cheap Louboutin Wedges attracting, the Cheap Louboutin Wedges Canada.
login or register to post comments