Product Development
Overview
The world needs good, reliable products for cleaning, surface preparation,
and contamination control. Bringing a new product to market is a major
challenge. BFK Solutions advises manufacturers of cleaning agents
and cleaning equipment.
As with our end-users clients, such projects are on a consulting basis;
we do not accept commissions or referral fees from our vendor clients.
The specifics
of many of these projects are often competition-sensitive.
Aspects of product development include:
- Design, development, analysis
- Cleaning agent design and development
- Equipment development
- Competitive market evaluation
- Barriers to implementation
- Beta site testing, performance evaluation
- Sales, marketing issues
- On-site workshops, brainstorming sessions
Introduction to cleaning
Trade Show Tactics
- Intellectual property
Technical patent evaluation
Expert witness Safety/environmental
- Evaluation, animal toxicity studies
Regulatory concerns
Interaction with regulatory agencies
Written reports
Oral statements, regulatory agencies
- Publicity
Technical writing (brochures, web
sites)
Sponsored papers
Product photography
Videography
Examples
Evaluating Aqueous Processes for use by the Australian military
An assessment of utilization of aqueous cleaning processes by the US
military was conducted for a New Zealand based distributor of cleaning
chemicals
and equipment. The purpose was to obtain acceptance by the Australian
military of aqueous cleaning
processes as replacements for traditional solvent processes. Several
manufacturers and many users were contacted; both successes and non-successes
were evaluated.
In a number of cases, non-acceptance was due not to technical performance
but due at least partially to having a technology “imposed” on
them by fiat.
Introduction to Cleaning
Investors in a cleaning equipment company had a great business sense,
but no knowledge of the cleaning world. BFK Solutions conducted
an in-house workshop;
and within one day we were able to bring them up to speed on the
basics of cleaning,
the various available options, competitive aspects, and regulatory
issues. We continued with brainstorming sessions; and we accompanied
the investors
on a
site visit to the fabrication facility. The new company continues
to grow and prosper.
Trade Show Tactics
Trade shows can be frenetic, exhausting, and competitive. Barbara
Kanegsberg has a background in retail sales; she enjoys trade
shows. BFK Solutions
conducted an in-house workshop for the technical personnel at
a major supplier to allow
them to more productively interact with trade show attendees.
New Product Features and Limitations
A new, non-aqueous, non-solvent process was being introduced.
In some applications, the product was not readily accepted.
BFK Solutions
accompanied
the equipment
supplier to a number of potential end-users and worked with
both the end-user and the supplier to determine the actual feasibility
of introducing
the product
in a given application. In some cases, we determined that relatively
minor changes in design or operator behavior would result in
successful cleaning.
In other
cases, it became clear that the product could not be readily
introduced for the processes under consideration. Understanding
the limitations
of the product
allowed
the supplier to concentrate on more promising applications.
Expand Product Applications
A product had been developed for a fairly narrow niche application.
The manufacturer wanted to expand into other areas. BFK Solutions
evaluated attributes of
the product relative to cleaning and surface preparation
requirements for a number
of manufacturing areas. We then worked with the client to
identify areas
of emphasis. We continued by introducing the client to appropriate
potential customers, trade
organizations, distributors, and collaborative equipment
manufacturers.
Cleaning Agent Development
A chemical producer was developing a new cleaning agent.
BFK Solutions provided an introduction to cleaning and
worked with
in-house technical
personnel
to develop and test appropriate formulations. We consulted
in regulatory, worker safety,
and toxicological evaluations. We helped to team the client
with others in the cleaning community.
Regulatory Facilitation
In attempting to develop new regulations, a government
agency inadvertently called out requirements that would
have lead
to fire hazards. We
worked with the equipment
manufacturer to explain the technical consequences to
agency personnel.
