Alpha Product Development |
| |
The Proof-Of-Concept or Alpha phase is first in the product development
process and involves building the first prototype to test a theory. This
confirms the viability of an idea or validates the technology chosen for a
product application. It is an important first step to make sure that a
product development effort is both a technologically and financially sound
decision. The key concerns usually involve retaining the existing or
anticipated intellectual property and ensuring that the product being
developed will meet the revenue goals.
A project kickoff meeting with the client is the first step in the project. The
project scope and goals are defined and the critical issues and concerns of
the client are identified. The Photonics Group focuses on project management in |
|
| each phase of the product development process, starting with the proof of
concept phase. We develop a detailed project plan that includes Pert and/or
GANTT charts, project goals and performance criteria that the prototype must meet to prove success. This approach assures that milestones are met, the project stays on schedule, and "scope creep" does not become a factor. Avoiding underestimation of critical project variables, supplier delays, and engineering change notices (ECNs) are some of the benefits of this process. We can literally start from a “napkin sketch” and deliver a sophisticated, working, debugged prototype. |
|
| |
CASE STUDY |
| |
| Development of an Instrument to Characterize Fluid Boundary Layers on a Planar Surface |
| |
Challenge |
| |
| Construct a prototype that proves the theory developed by the research laboratory of a major university under a military contract. The prototype must evaluate and characterize fluid boundary layers on a planar surface in a water tunnel, nonintrusively, and nondestructively. |
| |
Solution |
| |
| The Photonics Group delivered a laser based induced fluorescent probe prototype system. This system utilized an Argon Ion laser that was fiberoptically coupled, with a specially developed probe head. The system incorporated proprietary fabrication techniques developed exclusively by The Photonics Group, including: |
| |
- Preparation and processing of unclad fiber core
- Drilling of ultra miniature holes and hole structures (i.e. 5 micron and 10 micron)
- Design and Fabrication of in-line fiber optic analysis instrumentation
|
| |
Conclusion |
| |
| The project schedule defined a 45-day timeline. The Photonics Group completed the project within 30 days, from design and development of revised theory to delivered, debugged prototype. Upon delivery, the prototype worked successfully. The Photonics Group completed this project at the budget allocated. |
| |
|
| |
