A Simple Cable Modification to Reduce Cost

Ultrasound medical devices typically employ multiple fine wire gauge cables. There are many aspects to a cable design that can impact cost, but one in particular—color—can have a significant effect on the overall budget. To begin an examination of such economic considerations, I share an actual email I recently received below: Hey Mike, At some point it would be helpful to go through the cable design from a cost point of view. If we want to do a round of cost cutting, we'd like to know what constraints that we put in place are the biggest cost contributors. Thanks! The interesting aspect of this request is that the initial prototype has not yet even been manufactured. However, the process, from the customer’s perspective, has already moved on to cost reduction requirements without even testing the performance of this new assembly from both a physical and electrical perspective. Often this is already well known, but the point is still relevant. Being proactively cost sensitive is crucial to customer satisfaction. As with most new products, in addition to functionality, there is a strong emphasis on cost, both the initial product cost and, in some cases, a future schedule of cost reductions. When the topic of cost is considered, the conversation typically centers on material choices and mechanical details that serve to address a design problem or a product performance issue. It is understood that as the product moves from development to manufacturing, volume will increas...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Materials Source Type: news