Project Methodology

Most of the machines with which we are involved have never been built before. They involve taking newer technologies and applying them to many types of machines. The design of these motion-dominant machines and their associated controls is our core expertise. Because our main talent is engineering, you may find we approach your project a little differently.

On any "first" machine, we will propose to initially execute only the engineering phase of the machine, charged on a time basis, and provide you with a machine design that includes assembly drawings, component drawings, and a bill of materials with estimated pricing. A time-based approach provides the basis for the lowest total project price, as we are able to more accurately quote specific items, and eliminate much of the cost associated with risk. Inevitably, during the engineering phase, we will discover things that were not previously predicted. In many instances, we may only propose to complete an initial "Proof-of-Concept" study, in which we actually prove out some of the most critical functions of the machine. In those first few days, you can learn a tremendous amount.

We can usually make an initial time estimate based on our experience. It may take more time, or it may take less time. If we get to the end of the estimated time and the design is not complete, we can stop, or review our progress, estimate a new time to completion, and continue at the regular rate until finished. You are in control.

Upon discussion and acceptance of the design, the estimated machine building and installation time of the first system may then be proposed. The design is finished by that point, so you have many options. You could proceed with us, have someone else complete the project, build it yourself, or even cancel the project if the machine design proves to be no longer justifiable.

If you choose to continue with us into the machine building, and then installation phases of that "first" machine, you would also be charged on a time-plus-components basis, rather than a fixed price. Keep in mind that since the engineering has been completed, this time is now fairly predictable. Finally, once the "first" machine is complete, additional identical machines would then revert to a more standard firm-price transaction, as the costs would have now been identified.

We want you to be involved with your project to the extent you choose. In general, one of the downsides to contracting out a project is the loss of control over the outcome. You would have open access to our facilities, even to the point of having your personnel work from our facilities during parts of the project, if you choose. Of course we will have all the standard formal design reviews along the way, as you would expect.

The apparent downside to this time-based approach is the lack of concurrent engineering that cannot be done because of the phase-by-phase approach to the project. Everything waits for the approved design before proceeding. Though this may add a week or two to the middle of the project, you will find that overall, because of the predictability built into the process, there is less time spent in the latter de-bug stages, and our projects actually get completed faster. Perhaps more important, the system ends up being much closer to your expectations, both in performance and cost.

Since we are not charging a huge lump sum on a fixed-price basis, but rather working from a time and materials basis, we no longer have a "contingency" fund built into the price of the project. In the unlikely case that we have an "event" (i.e.. causing a major component to need repair or replacement), we will need to charge for the costs associated with the event as part of the time and/or materials. Generally the biggest problem with an event is not its cost, but rather the overall delay in completion of the project.

You should view us as an extension of your engineering effort. You can make mistakes, and so can we. One of the reasons people choose us for controls and mechanics of this sort is that we are far less likely to have an event than others, as we work with these types of components all the time.