Case Studies

These are brief summaries of several representative problems for which Conrad Consulting has been engaged. Case details have been omitted to protect confidentiality.

Analytical Equipment Supplier

Problem

An analytical equipment supplier for medical diagnostics required a new test format to accommodate new test chemistry and low-volume production while maintaining compatibility with existing diagnostic equipment.

Solution

An innovative new compatible format and assembly process was proposed and prototyped that would accommodate new chemistries and was suitable for low-volume production.

Diesel Engine Components

Problem

A supplier of diesel engine components suffered from low yield on an existing automated assembly system. Prior improvement activities produced few results.

Solution

A comprehensive study of the existing system was undertaken, including lengthy on-site monitoring. Major problem sources were identified and recommended corrective measures for each were developed.

Medical Device Startup

Problem

A medical device startup company required technical resources to analyze, design, prototype and evaluate a unique new implantable device.

Solution

Extensive analysis and experimentation was performed to determine candidate design approaches. Because the device design pushed the envelope of manufacturability, close coordination with a number of suppliers was required. Several prototypes were assembled and evaluated.

Military System

Problem

A complex system needed to meet the needs of multiple military branches.

Solution

Extensive research, interviews, and background research was performed. Requirements, design specifications and test plans compliant with military guidelines were developed. Requirement, specification and test tracking were instituted for verification and validation.

Pharmaceutical Process

Problem

A pharmaceutical company wanted to develop a radically different, scalable process for clinical drug production. They required process and equipment expertise and familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements.

Solution

Formal requirements and system concepts were developed to allow the customer to secure a development budget. Extensive technical analyses and vendor evaluations were conducted in order to ascertain the feasibility of various aspects of the process. Design specifications were developed for various vendors to bid against.