Custom-Off-The-Shelf: The New ‘COTS’ Goods

For decades there has been an initiative to source COTS (Commercial-off-the-shelf) goods when possible, and for good reason. COTS goods generally are less expensive, more readily available and easier to dual source. They are also less likely to fall under import/export controls and be subject to cybersecurity flow downs such as NIST800.171 and CMMC. However, selecting a COTS good often means making compromises. For example, installation may not be optimized, a loss of traceability on the supply chain is likely and an OEM may be at the mercy of undesirable product changes and obsolescence. To offer a better solution, Everight Position is excited to launch a new generation of COTS, Custom-off-the-shelf.

Having worked with engineers to specify sensors for over 15 years, Everight has seen firsthand the benefit that is gained when an application can find the right sensing solution. Not only does the sensor cost less, but systems’ costs can also be reduced due to decreased installation time and simpler mechanical and electrical integration. In the spirit of bringing these advantages to each application, both big and small, one time buy or OEM, Custom-Off-The-Shelf is more than just a mantra, rather it’s a philosophy that guides Everight as problem-solvers and as a company.

First, a disclaimer. It is Everight’s intention that ‘Custom-Off-The-Shelf’ goods are still ‘Commercial-Off-The-Shelf’ goods. While it is possible that a customer will need a truly unique product developed which wouldn’t meet the traditional ‘COTS’ requirements, based on Everight’s practical experience we are confident that the vast majority of the time we can offer sensors specified to best suit an application’s needs while still being commercially available.

There are two driving principles in Custom-Off-The-Shelf goods. The first is understanding an application’s needs and pain points. The second is offering a variety of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf sensor technologies that is broad enough so that a customer isn’t stuck trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Everight starts by working with some of the best sensor manufacturers in the world. Rather than be limited to a specific technology like many OEMs are, as a distributor Everight has experience offering a wide range of different sensor technologies including optical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive, among others. On average our vendors offer over ten million unique part numbers and if one of those isn’t the right fit they are willing and able to collaborate to find a solution. This motivation comes from two places, the desire to help a customer and the reality that if one customer offers feedback that a product line is missing a specific option, it is likely that there are other customers who can benefit from that same feature. This last point is so important, as it keeps new developments commercially available, thus keeping the ‘Commercial-Off-The-Shelf’ designation applicable.