Research, R & D, development; these words are bandied about so freely they've begun to lose meaning, so let's clarify, shall we? At PTS, we take every phase of every project seriously. We prefer concurrent (simultaneous), not recurrent (repetitive) engineering cycles, so the most important step right off is good communication.
They're expensive, time consuming and quite unnecessary. We believe that constant open lines of communication are imperative so that all available options are known to you, and so that we are 100% clear what you want, before we get into it.
Research : A systematic search for facts utilizing scientific method.
This is where we find out what you want, what you think you want, how you want it, any and all specifications, criteria, and critical factors. From here we explore methods, functionality, and product requirements to ensure the product you want is the product you get.
Research extends well into the Design, Production, and Manufacturing cycles. As a product develops, ongoing research into component types, unique package requirements, critical component placement, special needs and tools, resources, vendors, etc., is performed at all times to make sure that designs meet form, fit, and function. Product criteria is constantly updated and shared so that every department has the most current data to ensure that everything works correctly
Development : To cause to grow or expand, to elaborate on, to realize potential to the point of completion.
As designs and other criteria become available, prototypes of each subassembly are built and tested to spec individually and in combination with other subassemblies. This is where we "tweak every knob and try every option". The customer receives continuous status reports and is given the information necessary to make decisions on available options and features. Of course, at this stage we encourage you to visit us to "look over our shoulders" as it were, or we can ship what we have to you for your inspection. Please be aware however that at this point, nothing we have is pretty. It's all bench top prototypes and engineering mock-ups....so don't expect to be looking at a finished product just yet; however, the option is available if you like.
The customers input is very important in this stage, because this is where you get to determine the final outcome of your product. The information goes back to all departments for immediate implementation before any further work is performed. In this way a product is developed aggressively and efficiently; continuously updating from the design level through manufacturing, subassembly by subassembly, with subsequent subassemblies then developed based on what preceded them, and not after the fact.
Like a fine meal, everything comes off the stove together, saving you time and money.
