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New Product Introduction

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New Product Introduction & Lifecycles

Launching a new automation process can be both exhilarating and daunting. While automation offers the promise of growth and innovation, it also comes with financial risks and process uncertainties. A well-planned New Product Introduction (NPI) strategy is essential to navigate these challenges successfully.

An NPI strategy with MWES aims to minimize risks, optimize resources and costs, and maximize the success for the new product. In such a dynamic environment, the MWES NPI process is critical for companies looking to stay competitive and meet the market’s ever-changing demands.

Stages of New Product Introduction

Stage 1: Definition

Definition involves MWES evaluating the existing process, performance requirements and where automation can seamlessly integrate the process. Tools like SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis can be instrumental in this phase, helping to prioritize ideas that alignment with business strategy.

Stage 2: Feasibility

The feasibility stage involves deeper research into the selected ideas and understanding the process needs and identifying any hurdles to automation integration. Here the practicality of the concept is assessed which includes MWES thoroughly analyzing the technical requirements, resource allocation and cost implications.

Stage 3: Development

The development phase is where the product starts to take shape. Our engineers work to create a proof-of-concept, which is then refined through multiple iterations. When dealing in robotic automation, this involves complex software and hardware integration.

Stage 4: Validation

Before launching the automation process, MWES performs rigorous testing and validation which are crucial for its success. This ensures that the automation process performs as intended, and meets all safety and regulatory standards.

Stage 5: Implementation

MWES successfully integrates the automation process into the production environment. A successful implementation is a well-coordinated action and leverages the insights gained throughout the development process.

Stage 6: Evaluation

Finally, evaluation is where the automation process is analyzed and accepted into the production process. MWES ensures that the production environment is performing as expected and safety systems working as intended.

By following these six stages, we can navigate the complexities of automation integration and emerge with innovative solutions that drive growth and success.

Lifecycle Comparison: TRL vs. MRL

Regarding developing and deploying new technologies with MWES, two key frameworks guide the process: Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL). Both are critical in assessing technologies’ maturity and readiness for integration into a larger system or process.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

The Technology Readiness Levels process primarily concerns the maturity of technology itself, including its scientific and technical development. It answers questions about whether the technology works, if it’s reliable, and if it can perform its intended function within a system. The TRL scale ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest level of technology readiness, basic principles observed and reported, and 9 being the highest, actual system proven through successful mission operations.

Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL)

Manufacturing Readiness Levels, on the other hand, assess the maturity of a technology from a manufacturing perspective. They help determine if a technology can be produced reliably and cost-effectively at scale. The MRL scale also ranges from 1 to 10, with higher numbers indicating greater maturity. It considers factors such as the availability of materials, the feasibility of production processes, and the existence of a suitable manufacturing infrastructure.

The Interaction Between TRL & MRL

While TRL focuses on the development of the technology itself, MRL ensures that the technology can be manufactured to meet demand. The interaction between TRL and MRL is crucial; a high TRL does not guarantee a high MRL. For instance, a technology might work perfectly in a simulation (high TRL) but may not be manufacturable at scale (low MRL) due to various constraints.

The goal is to align TRL and MRL so that as a technology matures, its manufacturing processes are developed concurrently. This alignment minimizes any risks and ensures a smoother transition from simulation to full production. As an integrator, MWES adheres to this principle and has for decades helped businesses successfully launch new technology and manufacturing initiatives.

Lifecycle Comparison

Throughout the lifecycle of a manufacturing process, TRL and MRL must be considered in tandem. The development process should not only focus on proving the viability of the technology (TRL) but also on ensuring that the automation system can be manufactured (MRL). This dual focus helps prevent scenarios where a technology is advanced without considering the practicalities of its production, which can lead to delays and a lower return on investment.

TRL and MRL are complementary processes that, when aligned, provide a comprehensive view of a technology’s readiness from concept to production. Midwest Engineered Systems understands both readiness levels can lead to more efficient resource allocation, better planning and ultimately, successful integration of a manufacturing system.