OUR APPROACH

structured, thorough and effective.

In our projects, we follow a phased approach in which the mechatronic system design is central. We use the V-model to structure the design process. This model enables us to go through a project step-by-step and in a controlled manner from specification to validation.

We like to work closely with the customer to develop a system concept for their production challenge that meets the requirements and specifications. For example, we help production companies and industrial OEMs to innovate their production technology and/or expand their production capacity.

We distinguish four phases in our approach to a development project. Depending on customer demand, there may be more emphasis on one of these phases, in order to complete a project as effectively and efficiently as possible.

exploration phase.

In this phase, we have non-binding conversations with the customer to get to know each other. The customer puts the problem on the table, and we advise on possible solutions for their challenge. We help customers clarify the vision of their production of the future and to translate their product ideas into concrete production solutions. We do this as an independent development partner, using the domain knowledge of the customer.

specification and concept phase.

If it turns out that there is a good match, we move on to the specification and concept phase. We help the customer draw up an unambiguous set of requirements and principles that will later be used to assess concepts for their technical and financial feasibility.

When the set of requirements and principles is complete, we start drawing up possible concepts. We usually do this in close collaboration with the customer. In particular, we look at the applicability of standard (partial) solutions based on our modular platform. This strengthens the scalability of the system to be realized, limits the investment in customer-specific development and ultimately shortens the lead time of the development project.

Together with the customer, we select the best concept and develop it further in 3D. At this stage, there may still be technical risks at a functional level. To reduce these risks or to gain more certainty, we optionally carry out a proof-of-principle. This minimizes the risk of problems arising at a later stage of the project. Ultimately, this phase results in a mechatronic system concept that meets the needs and expectations of the customer.

detailed design and realization phase.

Once the specifications and system concept have been established, we are able to make a well-founded budget for the remaining part of the project. We can offer this either on a cost-plus basis or at a fixed price. In this phase, we develop the system concept into a complete detailed design, performing simulations and calculations for the final determination of design parameters. We also translate the software architecture into reliable and efficient control software for the complete system. Then, we compile the technical documentation for realization, including the bill of materials, and order the necessary components and manufacturing parts.

We carry out assembly and verification in-house. For this we have a well-equipped workshop where we can build and test the production systems. We integrate the mechanics, electronics and software into a working and safe system, in which all subprocesses work together and communicate.

Finally, we perform acceptance tests in the presence of the customer. First, we do the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) at our location to demonstrate that the system works according to specification. We then deliver the system to the customer, if necessary in modular parts, to assemble it there and perform the final SAT (Site Acceptance Test). The system is then ready for use in the production environment of the end user, who can work with it to create new products aimed at conquering or further expanding the market.

after sales & support.

We aim for our customer to have many years of problem-free production using the system we have developed. Our involvement therefore does not stop after the successful delivery. Ultimately, it is about achieving maximum productivity in terms of system availability and production quantity and quality. This requires effective maintenance of the hardware – corrective, preventive and/or predictive – and timely software updates. All this is intended to prevent unplanned downtime wherever possible. We provide the necessary support for this, ad hoc or via a service and maintenance contract (SLA), depending on the needs of the customer.