Project management and technical support to assist companies to
introduce new processes, equipment, products and materials using a
structured methodology.
Initial review
Initial review meeting with South West MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) specialist to discuss the
opportunities in the business and establish the feasibility of a
technology and innovation project. Companies need to be SME’s to
qualify for subsidised support.
Project scoping and approval
The South West MAS specialist works with you to scope the project in more
detail and agree how South West MAS could support the project implementation.
This would cover the following project details:
- Benefits
Expected measurable business results expected, plus significant intangible benefits to the business - Project timescale:
Include expected start and finish date. Indicate key milestones e.g. Delivery, commissioning etc. - Pay-back/justification:
Include increased capacity/productivity, quality, delivery performance, Health and safety, new sales - Costs
Cost, indicate (budget or actual quote) - Barriers to success/risks
Identifying possible barriers to success at the early stages to enable corrective action plans to be established
Project implementation
South West MAS specialists or agreed external provider work with you to
assist with the implementation of the project. Support can take several
different forms; typically:
- Project management
Developing detailed project plans, reviewing progress and actions, challenging ideas, assistance with best practice etc. - Sourcing and/or implementing new machinery and equipment
This could include CNC technology, robotics, computer controlled
handling devices and CAD/CAM manufacturing techniques for automated
machine tools. - Product development and improvement
– South West MAS can have a professional design house or University to work with
your engineers to produce innovative products. We are able to work
alongside other funded support programmes such as Designing Demand.
- Design for Manufacture
principles to link product design with the manufacturing process to
result in shorter design lead-times and products which are superior in
quality, cost effective to produce, reliable and meet customer
expectations. This can be applied to both existing products to make
them better, and/or to new products.
- Materials selection; a crucial part of the product design process affecting product performance.
Project review
On completion of the project, a follow up visit is made to review
success and establish any further opportunities for improvement.
