Without a doubt, doing production level work within the manufacturing industry is high risk, high reward. There are many challenges that companies are faced with when doing manufacturing work. Oftentimes, companies are dealing with important deadlines, high tolerances, exact specifications, and many more intrinsic production details. This means that there is very little room for error. Some companies might shy away from doing this type of work, rightfully so. However, the companies that have good processes in place and are reliable will reap the rewards of working within the manufacturing industry.

Standing Out in the Manufacturing Industry

At MCS, we aim to do everything right, as most companies do. One thing that sets us apart within the manufacturing industry is the fact that we are prototyping and production capable. Being prototyping/production capable is something that most manufacturing companies our size cannot say. We have engineers on staff that have the experience and expertise necessary for prototyping. Their track-record speaks for itself. Our engineering manager, Jim Roush has assisted many big-time manufacturing companies in designing and producing high-level manufacturing products that have stood the test of time.

CASE STUDY

One of our customers needed space for storage on a product that we produce for them. Our prototype pallet design increased the storage capacity by 60 percent in their warehouses. In doing so, it created ease of manufacturing at their assembly line. By cleaning up all the extra pallets they had been working around for years; it freed up an area for us to design a one-off conveyor system for them to transfer the assemblies quicker and more efficiently. The result: an extremely pleased customer that has already asked MCS for help solving another manufacturing issue.

The Power of Prototyping in Design

Product design consists of many factors which all need to be considered for the result to be within the form, fit, and function of an assembly. There is no better way than to “mock it up” and to visualize what is required. There is always the prototyping that is performed to establish all the preset criteria is being met. As with any prototyping… the added criteria which comes as the customer remembers what else was needed once they see it. Bringing it to a solid form can really change the overall designing process, for the better. Resulting in a solid, working, efficient product; one that becomes viable for many years to come.

There are two major mutual benefits that stick out to us as being the most important in terms of prototyping in the manufacturing industry. The first being the ability to reduce risks involved. Developing manufacturing systems involves inherent risks, including technical challenges, safety concerns, and operational requirements. Prototyping enables manufacturing organizations to identify and mitigate risks early in the development cycle. By building and testing prototypes, our engineers can uncover issues, evaluate potential vulnerabilities, and make necessary adjustments to enhance reliability, safety, and security.

Engaging Stakeholders in the Manufacturing Process

We have always valued the ability of our partners having “boots on the ground” here at MCS. This is thanks to our emphasis on project management. The final mutual benefit is something that ties right into project management, Stakeholder Engagement. When our partners call or visit the facility, they know exactly who they need to see. This makes it easy working together to make changes necessary for a successful product. Having the ability to prototype, paired with our well-versed project management team, allows stakeholders to be involved from project conception. We are proud of our prototyping ability and are on the approved suppliers list; ready to attack the next project… together!