Initial review

Initial review meeting with SWMAS 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.

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Project scoping and approval

The SWMAS specialist works with you to scope the project in more detail and agree how SWMAS 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

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Project implementation

SWMAS 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 – SWMAS 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.

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Project review

On completion of the project, a follow up visit is made to review success and establish any further opportunities for improvement.

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