Our process
Experience has shown us that clear processes lead to successful project implementation.
We take a pragmatic approach to projects and will work with you to adapt our ten stages outlined on this page to meet your needs.
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Stage 1 - Concept generation
Projects begin with a concept and some initial ideas of what is to be achieved. This can involve anything from informal sketches to formal requests for quotation; a combination of technical and business needs.
We will, as much as possible, look for face to face dialogue to ensure clarity and to set the scene for successful collaboration.
This stage is invariably where business relationships are formed and credible insight is gained in order to work together.
At the end of this stage we should have a clear enough understanding of your key requirements to be able to draft our initial interpretation.
Stage 2 - Requirements definition
We will look to interpret your key requirements to form an initial assessment of resource and budgetary costs. Constraints will be evaluated to ensure sufficient context is applied to design figures and any potential capital requirements.
This is a critical stage to ensure that we are aligned with your needs.
Often involving further discussion, our definition will include both the technical and commercial aspects along with any areas that we feel are uncertain or will evolve as the project progresses.
We will look to reach a rapid conclusion and, with your confirmation, we will progress to a realistic estimate and project proposal.
Stage 3 - Estimates and proposal
With your requirements identified, discussed and understood we will proceed to optimise the proposal. This often involves consultation with third party resource if complex tooling or processes are involved.
Our proposal will state the project objectives along with resource allocation, cost profiles, capital expenditure schedule, risk areas, any activities where there are likely to be uncertain outcomes and anticipated timescales.
Projects can either be open-ended or closed with a defined outcome and we will use an appropriate format for both the proposal and presentation to your direction.
Often resulting in further discussion, the purpose is to move forwards with as much clarity as possible.
Stage 4 - Provisional project plan
Once our proposal has been accepted we will provide a detailed project plan that includes the phases, resource allocation, time scales and cost schedule for your approval.
This plan will be monitored, subjected to weekly review and reissued should any material changes occur.
We invite input from your teams and can manage this interaction through remote communications as needed.
Timescales can always fluctuate throughout projects but we look to maintain a pragmatic and proactive approach to managing uncertainty, balancing the needs of reporting and progressing in accordance with your need for visibility.
Stage 5 - Specification
This provides a clear and concise description of the product and / or project, depending on the context of the proposal.
For a product, it describes how it will behave as well as how it will interact with the outside world. This covers areas ranging from components through to approvals and manufacturing objectives.
We recognise that specifications can evolve through the life cycle of the project and sometimes there can be initial experimental work required to determine feature details.
Once the specification has been agreed we take a pragmatic view of this and will work with you to ensure the objectives remain in focus if changes evolve.
Stage 6 - Prototype and precompliance
This is an interactive phase with your team. Designwork is undertaken in both 2D and 3D CAD as required; mechanical design using Solidworks and electronics design using Pulsonix.
We always prototype from drawings and rarely use a 'cut and strap' approach. This has proven itself many times over, minimising debugging time and providing early insight to design, manufacture and feasibility issues. Evaluation to component and piece part level is initiated to assess functionality and reliability.
Fast turnaround build options are available for tight timescales and are always points for discussion.
Testing is undertaken and representative prototypes are used for precompliance evaluation, either in house or managed through appropriate third parties.
Stage 7 - Design for manufacture
With prototypes approved in principle, detail design for manufacture takes place in conjunction with selected supply chain partners and the chosen manufacturing location as appropriate. Many aspects of this phase will have been initialised through prototype evaluation and precompliance activities.
We manage bill of materials, part specification and intellectual property with strict controls.
This stage is interactive and subject to regular review, ensuring our solutions meet your requirements.
Preproduction trials and final approval work is considered, along with design validation and cost confirmation. Operational obligations become a primary focus with quality, testing, supply chain and commercial considerations along with supervision of relevant tooling and equipment manufacture.
Stage 8 - Approvals and compliance
We either undertake approvals and compliance activities ourselves or work with your existing team to assist with the process. Our third party approval partners include facilities for independent EMC, LVD, RoHS, Machinery and environmental compliance testing and we have direct experience with UK and European legislation, sitting on national and international committees.
Our knowledge base permits us to undertake aspects of the test work ourselves, self certifying and testing and advising you where appropriate.
With any related tooling in progress from the previous phase, we are able to judge timing in conjunction with any related trials, using off tool components or critical materials as required. The primary objective at this stage is to ensure project outcomes meet all relevant specified legislation before full release.
Stage 9 - Preproduction
We recommend a preproduction phase for volume manufacture as it is the opportunity to ensure that all relevant parts of the operational and commercial business chains are ready.
This stage is highly interactive and often involves attendance and finalisation of third party tooling trials, assembly equipment commissioning, test equipment verification and process documentation.
We will ensure that all project or product requirements are acceptable, supply chain setup is confirmed, approval documentation is in place, commercial cost considerations are understood and that relevant targets have been met in accordance with the specification.
With your approval, we will proceed to release the project.
Stage 10 - Release and volume manufacture
Prerequisites to this include successful preproduction trials, approvals activities and costs.
We take a realistic view of the release phase to ensure that there are no issues remaining that would risk reputation or involve concealed cost liabilities.
Our competencies in supporting and arranging volume production allows us to work with you to manage product changes if needed.
This phase is dependent on your objectives. We are able to place full control to our operational system or release ongoing production to yours in line with original agreements. With competence in import, export and associated B2B transactions, we can advise and assist to meet your needs.
Contact Details
43 Walcot Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 1BY
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 7469 712067
