NEWS/NEWSLETTERS

July 2010: Case Study: Hi-Ground Scaffolds and Finite Element Analysis
Hi-Ground Scaffolds asked the Malco Design and Deliver Group for assistance with a problem they were having with a new drywall cart design. Though the idea behind Hi-Ground's innovation was to add handles onto the cart in order to provide added usability and rollover safety, the starting point for the cart's improvements was a generic design that Hi-Ground already marketed. The Malco D2 Group used FEA to detect and fix the cart design problem. Read the complete article.

June 2010: More Benefits of Design for Manufacturability
Research has shown that decisions made during the design period determine 70% of the product's costs. Implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) can identify potential issues that affect these costs. Last month we talked about how Design for Manufacturability results in lower capital investment, quicker time to market, and improved quality and reliability. This month, we'll cover five more benefits that derive from applying the principles of DFM. Read on.

May 2010: Benefits of Design for Manufacturability
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) can make a critical difference in getting your product to market and generating revenue. The "Tool and Manufacturing Engineers' Handbook" defines Design for Manufacturability as the practice of designing products with manufacturing in mind. Design for Manufacturability is based on the proactive practice of identifying potential issues and planning for them before they arise. In upcoming newsletters, we'll discuss the benefits of implementing Design for Manufacturability. Read on.

April 2010: Innovation Knows no Recession
During a recession, you need to continue having the confidence to know that moving new ideas to market will help you grow. Keep in mind that more market share changes occur during a recession than during good times. Your new product pipeline should be directed at your best growth opportunities, those that point the way to the future of your business. Read on.

March 2010: The Five Competencies of Thomas Edison
In today's hyper-competitive marketplace, breakthrough innovation often can be stimulated by looking to the past. Here are the Five Competencies of Thomas Edison, and how they apply to current best practices in new product development. More information on the five competencies may be found in a new book by Michael Gelb and Sarah Caldicott, Innovate Like Edison: The Five-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success. Read on.

February 2010: Why Quality and Innovation Still Matter
In today's economic climate, it's tempting to buy into the notion that price has become king, and that substance, quality and innovation no longer matter. But while low price and copycat products may have their day, joining the crowd to make them is not a viable business model for companies that wish to enjoy stronger growth and superior margins than their competitors. When it comes to new product development, quality and innovation still matter. Read on.

January 2010: Benefits of Seeing a Problem Through a Fresh Pair of Eyes
Product ideation is often referred to -- for good reason -- as "structured creativity." Like everything related to the application of creativity, this product ideation works best when the activities follow a structured process; when the problem is clearly defined, when the solution is clearly sought, and when out of the box thinking leads to increased creativity. Read on

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INVENTORS NEWSLETTERS
Welcome to our new newsletter written with the inventor in mind. If you're of an inventing mindset, we hope you will find the content of this e-publication interesting and helpful.

August 2010: Prototyping Basics
July 2010: Welcome Inventors!