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How we work
How it all began....
Many years ago we had a new client who manufactured complex control panels. They came to MLE with a requirement for an industrial controller; they had a specification and some examples of the other circuit boards they wanted us to interface to.
We worked patiently with this company to understand what existing products and circuit boards they presently used, what problems they had in the field, how the circuit boards would be installed in the product and what the marketing team would like in their products in the future.
The product we developed for them was very different to their original idea. In fact it was so different that it replaced six of their existing circuit boards as it had the same functionailty, but it also had the intelligence to be extended and had spare inputs to allow future expansion. It was smaller than expected and could be reprogrammed.
The end result:
They stocked only 1 PCB instead of six, it could be programmed by a PC so was more versatile. It took up half the space in the cabinet so the imported steel costs were less and the build time was reduced. It had expansion ports that meant over the following years we added additional features, as predicted by the marketing team. We manufactured the product and, as the core module did not change, a large volume was easily produced. Return on the original investment?.....not known to us, but the client was exceptionally happy!
Our process:
We are a strong process-driven business that has, over the years, developed a process that allows creativity whilst maintaining a balance between the creative work and the commercial delivery.
In the early stages, we creatively explore the product design solution, including risk and mitigation and we also explore your roadmap for the product so that we can use the appropriate technology for the potential future designs. In the latter stages, we define the engineering solution for design delivery, which, thanks to the early stage of the process, leads to some or all of the following: a more cost-effective design solution with enhanced capabilities, improved user interface and a longer product life-cycle through selective component use. And this is all with the commercial understanding of compliance, speed to market, staying within budgets and deadlines, and the potential future development of the product.
Link to proven 5 stage process
First principle design
Electronics design is all about being creative. There are many ways to create a new electronic product but only a handful are outstanding. A great design should be simple, elegant and efficient and MLE designs are just that. To achieve this, we work hard to understand from first principles the complete product solution. It is no surprise therefore that our engineers have solid understanding of physics, mathematics, thermodynamics, fluids, finite element, electrochemistry, medical and biological sciences and they hold doctorates or first degrees.
We like to challenge ourselves as well as the companies we work with. You can be assured that as experts in our field, we will provide you with the best solution suited to your product. In order to do that we have to go back to basics and really discover what it is that you wish to achieve. It may be that we can suggest an approach you had not previously considered. We can - and often do - incorporate existing technologies from other sectors that you may be unaware of, leading to enhancement of your product design, efficacy, costs, production time-lines - or all of these things together!
We have very experienced in-house project managers as well as a highly creative senior team and we pride ourselves on working closely with clients and challenging the design concept to ensure the best solution is found.
Proven technologies in your product
Over our 14 years of successful electronic product design we have developed a library of proven technologies that are available for use in your product. These software and hardware modules are high in their value and have been developed as a result of innovative work in the aerospace, medical and other markets, yet they are easily integrated into your project. By using these tried and tested pieces of technology within your development project, we are able to reduce, in most cases, the time to market. You gain the assurance that whilst your product is a unique development, it contains proven technologies already operating out in the field in other MLE development projects, which continue to prove reliable and robust.
Design for manufacture
We have very sound understanding of the processes and techniques used within all scales of electronics manufacturing, gained through years of experience as well as by having in-house manufacturing capabilities. As a result we are better able to create designs suited to these processes. An added benefit of having in-house production expertise is that our engineers work with production staff to develop an optimal design for your product and its manufacturing requirements. This also ensures a smooth transition from design to manufacture.
In-house prototyping and Pre-production capabilities
We are also able to design prototypes and pre-production versions of your product.
