The Window is CLOSING!
- Marty Schad
- Nov 7, 2019
- 3 min read
What window is closing?
The window on opportunities to DRAMATICALLY increase profits and reduce risk, that’s all!
Something called the “S-Curve” will be helpful in this discussion. The S-Curve is a mathematical function that also has practical relevance for framing and understanding innovation efforts (such as building robust manufacturing processes). A primer on how the S-Curve applies to innovation efforts is at:
From The Process Perspective, the stages of the S-Curve are:
1. Early Adoption:
This is when samples are being made to test the reaction of potential customers. This might also be called the “possible” phase, where we are seeing if we can reliably make one sample of interest.
2. Growth:
This is when many samples are being made to test the reactions of multiple potential customers. The “tipping point”, when demand dramatically increases, occurs at the start of this phase. This might also be called the “able to make many” phase.
3. Maturity Point:
This is when we are making many parts, and we are getting paid for them. This might also be called the “production ready” phase.
4. Plateau & Decline:
This is when the market has been satisfied/saturated, and starts to decline due to decreases in demand. Production is accomplished by routinely deploying production manufacturing assets. This might also be called the “life cycle management” phase.
By now you may have figured out what the “window closing” means. It means that the window is closing to create and craft the optimum manufacturing process, time is running out. When manufacturing commences, it becomes much harder to change equipment or the process. Some changes may be possible, depending on the exact situation. In all cases, making changes in manufacturing is harder, slower, and MUCH more expensive than making them earlier. The window is either closed or slightly open.
Some key best practices/approaches/themes to deal with the window INEXORABLY closing include:
#1 Manufacturability Assessments…Early & Often.
#2 Spectators Do Not Build Great Processes.
#3 The ROI for building great processes is compelling.
#4 The process is Invisible, unlike the equipment.
#5 Process Stewardship is vital.
#6 The Equipment is NOT Enough.
#7 Boldness and Courage are musts.
My main learning from this discussion is that the above list is not surprising to anyone who is familiar with (atom-based) innovation efforts. However, very few people and organizations consciously and professionally focus on these things. Why? Because doing so involves delayed gratification, hard slogs, and strong stomachs. This is hard work, and only truly motivated process professionals have the grit and tenacity and interest in robust manufacturing processes.
An acknowledgment…thanks to Ajoy Basu of alpha2infinity for pointing out the significance of the S-curve to me!
CHALLENGE TO READERS
Please think about the concept of the “window closing” and how it relates to your key process engineering projects over the past 5 to 10 years…
Have you done enough early manufacturability assessments? What have you learned from them? Can this be codified in a best practices document?
Who have the “players” been in your process building efforts? Who have the “spectators” been? Is it possible to provide the process builders with more resources and support?
I’m interested in your thinking and experiences regarding the “window closing” concept. I would love to discuss this with you to exchange ideas. If you email us, we will get back to you promptly. Thanks!
All the Best,
Marty
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