For many startups prototypes are the very first step towards industrial-scale production. However, this leap still requires careful and visionary planning. We at Meconet have the expertise required to assist a growing business in realising their dreams.
In good hands from outset
We have a skilled team of professionals who have the ability and desire to offer customers their assistance in designing the product, in selection and acquisition of production technology, and in manufacturing. Our objective is to work with the customer in order to bring their products up to the serial production stage and help the customer to grow. We have the proper machinery and equipment for efficient production, we have the understanding and the supply channels for acquisition of raw materials, special materials and surface treatment, and we have the processes in place for managing quality and logistics.
However, the most important thing is that we have an excellent understanding of our customer’s expectations in order for us to be able to factor in the requirements set by serial production and the product’s life span as early as at the prototyping stage.
Sparring partner lends a hand and frees up resources
At Meconet we are used to acting as a partner for startup companies and in the world of startups in general. For instance, our expertise frees up the startup’s own resources, which means that the startup team can continue doing what they do best. Which is, naturally, focusing on raising vital financing and on development efforts.
Thus, our customers can safely place all matters related to the management of the manufacturing project on the shoulders of our expert prototyping team. You may contact us at any time, and ask us even the most tough questions, because through our experience we might easily find the right answers to them. Another key aspect is the ability to understand the situation. It is important to see the possibilities when we set off to start developing a product together. At the same time, one should also be capable of seeing the economic side of things – how could the project be realised in the most reasonable manner in terms of finances.
Case: Evondos – Local production is the response to sensitivity to change
Evondos Oy from Finland has been Meconet’s customer since 2013. Medicine-dispensing robots by Evondos ensure the high standards of pharmacotherapy by guiding homecare clients in always taking the correct medicine in the prescribed dose at the right time. The robot uses mechanical dose distribution sachets provided by a pharmacy, reading the time for administering medication from the dose sachet text field and operating accordingly. Meconet delivers the sheet metal parts for the robot.
The robot has many moving parts, which need to be properly dimensioned in order for the equipment to function properly. Moreover, the sheet metal parts we deliver are precision components, and thus, when they started, Evondos faced a challenge with finding a supplier who can handle such precise job.
Jukka Ylimaa from Evondos says that there was, in fact, a number of reasons why the company decided to have these parts made domestically. “The parts are sensitive to change and their versioning is a live process, when certain manufacturing challenges or specific needs are encountered. If production were located further away, it would be difficult to implement changes. The readiness and ability to make changes is an important property of a supplier. And having the supplier located nearby makes communication much easier.’
According to Ylimaa, logistics has a particular effect at the prototyping stage, where it is important to get parts for testing quickly.
Evondos also commends our precision. ‘Over the years Meconet has improved their dimensioning capability. They have certainly set their sights on providing high quality. Problems with parts staying in place were discovered at Meconet’s end and have been always delivered the top-notch quality.’
Cooperation improves quality
Cooperation creates knowledge for both sides: the customer’s product development and the supplier’s expertise. ‘Meconet’s understanding of our equipment and requirements has been improving throughout our joint journey,’ says Ylimaa. ‘We have a shared vision and we keep it up, for instance, by organising regular meetings. Problems are always tackled jointly.’
‘Cooperation is what needs to be highlighted, a monologue does not bring things forward, instead solutions are found in collaboration,’ admits Ylimaa.
Harri Karukoski
