Project approach
Positioning Z-tech in different project phases
In order to gain insight into the consistency of costs, risks, lead times and complexity, we make a distinction between the different phases of a project.
Value added by Z-tech within your company
The following is a schematic representation of our added value in your company. With all manufacturers within each industry, deliverability, competitive cost, flexibility, quality and innovation are the five key pillars that determine success. These success pillars affect processes such as logistics, marketing, product development, etc. The degree of influence is shown in the schedule. This shows that product development has an impact on the cost of the product. Z-tech can provide primary added value through its core business in the design and realization of your production resources and the completion and control of the end product. Secondarily, we can offer added value to the logistics process and marketing & acquisition. This also means that our solutions improve your delivery reliability, cost, flexibility, quality and innovation. Especially in our main and secondary industries, our added value is best for its right (see schedule).
Explanation for the different project phases
1) Application and / or orientation phase
Phase 1a: Classification of project application.
The core activities of Z-Tech: “Solving complex issues in production processes, involving (fine) mechanics, robotics and servotechnics, an integral part of the overall solution.”
Competences versus considerations
- Risk analyzes (feasibility not to be missed).
- Current workload (disciplines versus availability)
- Strategic (potential cooperation and / or exchange of knowledge)
- Apply knowledge / experience, solutions and own developments
Award (type of work & market area)
Assessment * Project scope; * Complexity; * Future vision
2) Specification phase
Phase 2a: Classify application
- The positioning of Z-tech in the project
- Estimation of project size (budget / planning)
- Estimate of the complexity of the project
- Budget budget & macro planning (feasibility)
- Future vision (one-off or strategic cooperation)
Phase 2b: Specification phase. Possibly. Carry out preliminary studies (uncertainties, ambiguities, calculations, risks)
- Principles and preconditions
- Compile functional and technical specifications
- In a preliminary study, a global concept, budget and macro planning.
- Indicative risks, development and building of test facilities
- Decrease protocols
Phase 2c: Functional Concept phase.
- Defining global concepts and principles
- Feasibility analysis (technical and commercial)
- After the preliminary study, assignment final costs and planning
3) Development & Implementation
Phase 3a: Technical Concept phase
- Verify functional and technical specifications for possible concepts
- Develop selected concepts and principles and test the specifications
- In case of contradictions, all parties will seek solutions (objective: minimum functional concept changes).
- Reviews and release specific components, specify + suppliers
- Inventory of estimated long delivery items,
- Risk inventory entire project (general risks and specific risks based on chosen concepts)
Phase 3b: Verification of Concept Phase and Keys to Quotation (Functions, Costs and Lead Time)
- Concept changes only with the knowledge of team leaders (per discipline) and approval by project managers of client and Z-tech. Pre-mapping Consequences.
- Reviews and release to retail engineering
Phase 3c: Technical design phase
- Engineering and integration of the various concepts and systems into a complete technical whole
- Reviews and release to realization
- Reduction of protocols, if any. Adjust / expand due to progressive insight
4) Performance realization
Phase 4a: Realization + FAT
- Purchasing process
- Check crucial inbound goods
- Build different parts, make use of, assemble and functionally test
- FAT removal
- Ready for transportation
Phase 4b: Construction on site + SAT
- Transport to final location
- Placement and construction
- I / O test cycle
- Functional and Technical testing (commissioning)
- Providing commissioning and production ready
- SAT decrease
- Transfer system
5) User phase, aftercare
After the installation has been put into operation, an optimization path will be created with the aim of increasing the efficiency and thus the output of the installation.
A tool here is a ‘Smart’ control, which can cause malfunctions. In this way, over a certain period of time, it is possible to find out which function within the machine can be improved. These data can also be an indication of preventive maintenance to be performed.
In order to ensure the long-term operation, we always recommend unambiguous arrangements for the after-sales service of the installation. This can provide a Service & Maintenance contract.
A Service & Maintenance contract concerns a mix of periodic inspections, preventive maintenance and remediation. The composition of this mix greatly depends on the size and complexity of the installation.
- Periodic inspection (s):
Maintenance is necessary for the proper functioning of the installation. - Preventive maintenance:
Exchange defined wear parts early. - Fault:
In case of sudden failure of the installation, the malfunction will have to be resolved temporarily or definitively.
Conclusion of a good project approach
The impact of the different phases is inversely proportional to the project phases, because at each stage the outcomes of the previous phases are taken back. If an error in phase 1 is made and comes to light in phase 4 then phase 2 and 3 must also be reversed. In short: the earlier a mistake is made, the more phases should be reversed (partly). Due to this, the lead times are under pressure, with all the consequences of this. With a thorough project approach, risks are mapped through analyzes and prevent errors as much as possible. This is already starting with Z-tech at the request. In addition, project management ensures that the project is delivered within the budget, deadline and well-functioning.