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Home
Introduction
History
Future Plans
Principles
Experience
Process
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Process
Progressive
believes that while experience is a requirement to developing automation, the
key to developing custom automation is a consistent and reliable process.
All custom automation developed at Progressive follows the same process,
regardless of industry or machine type.
We are
successful in machine building because we follow a proven, consistent process
that has been developed over time and the proof of which, is our large amount
of repeat business. The process is as
follows:
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Information
Gathering
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This
is the first step in understanding the customer’s requirements. We gather
the basic information such as parts, assembly process, cycle time and
delivery expectations. During this phase, we request parts, drawings and
models.
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Proposal
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We
develop one or more layouts or concept drawings and price each accordingly.
We provide extensive detail in our proposal. The proposal may go through several
revisions through discussion with the customer.
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Project Kickoff
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Upon
receipt of purchase order, a project manager kicks off the project. At this
point Engineering begins design. A formal order confirmation is sent for review
& approval.
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Project Planning
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Planning
includes resource allocation, risk analysis through FEMA discussions,
schedule development and costing review.
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Design
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The
design phase is primarily mechanical design. Concepts are solidified,
layouts improved, key design issues addressed and long lead-time items
ordered. Essentials during this phase are part drawings & models, part
samples and quick access to the customer to answer questions.
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Design Review
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The
design process concludes with a formal design review either at Progressive,
the customer’s facility or on-line through webx. This is a key gate at which time the customer
approves the basic design.
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Manufacturing
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The
designs are detailed, released to the shop and machining begins. Electrical
design is started and soon after, program development. Machine components
are assembled, electrical panels are built, and the machine is wired. All
manufacturing is done in-house.
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System Debug
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Upon
completion of manufacturing the system is debugged. All disciplines are
involved in this phase with the primary drivers being the programming
group. Production parts are required during this phase.
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FFF Review
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Fit,
Form & Function review meeting by the customer.
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Prelim. Acceptance
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Preliminary
acceptance is a review of the operation of the system by the customer at
our facility using production parts. We recommend that our customers run
the system for 1 week. The conclusion of the run is formal signoff of the
system.
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Ship-Install
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The
system is dismantled, shipped to the customer and installed.
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Final Acceptance
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Final
acceptance is a buy off run at the customer’s facility, concluding with a
formal signoff of the system.
Training is conducted with key personnel.
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Project Wrap Up
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Final
documentation is prepared and sent to the customer. An internal post mortem
is conducted.
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Support
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Service
and support is ongoing throughout the life of the system.
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This process is supported by
frequent and regular communication through email, phone calls, status
reports, schedule updates and visits by the customer.
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