Original Date: 03/16/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Strite Industries Limited uses a Design Review Process on all potential projects to determine whether or not a project is feasible and should be accepted. In addition, this process can identify a manufacturing obstacle before it escalates into an expensive problem. The Design Review Process works as a disciplined system that relies on a high degree of communication and consultation between the Strite team members and the customer. Strite typically handles difficult manufacturing, mechanical, and metallurgical problems that customers submit; however, not all projects are feasible. Only one in every five prospective projects which go through the Design Review Process is accepted.

Strite’s philosophy is not to be the lowest cost producer, but instead to provide the best and most cost effective solution for the customer’s application with high quality. Every day at 10:00 A.M., a production meeting is held to review new projects, discuss customers’ concerns, and identify potential production problems. This meeting typically lasts about 30 minutes. Engineers and operators, as well as quality, supervisory, and marketing personnel participate and contribute to the Design Review Process. The team examines engineering drawings and prototype models, or production pieces for each project. When these are not available, concept or qualification models are prepared for review. Strite’s team approach works well, and effectively uses the combined experience and judgement of the company’s key personnel. The team can consider all viewpoints and then achieve a consensus on each project.

Another key aspect of the Design Review Process is customer involvement. Through continuous communication, customers ensure that their needs, concerns, and problems are understood by the team. In most cases, the team can electronically share engineering data and drawings with the customers. Strite also works closely with customers to understand their evolving and changing products, processes, materials, and capabilities. This approach allows the company to grow with its clientele, and maintain the knowledge and expertise necessary to meet their needs.

The Design Review Process is a valuable service that Strite provides to its customers. This key process helps to enhance Strite’s ability to deliver precision engineering and machining services to customers in a wide range of industries. In addition, the process is an effective way for Strite to focus its capabilities, and keep pace with the growing industries it serves.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.