In the second of the four key stages of the unique PRIMA process namely product development and manufacturing, we move from the big picture to ground level.
Here we carry out a hands-on assessment that blends the true operational requirements of the application with an interpretation of the customer’s needs. It’s how we ensure that what we manufacture and deliver actually serves the customer, when it comes to optimising their milling or crushing operation.
To start with, we must operate without assumption. We must double-check; even triple-check. And we must continually confirm alignment via monitoring and feedback. This end-to-end communication loop is “cradle to grave ownership”.
Cradle-to-grave ownership of the process
Our sales team and Product Engineer identify and meet with relevant stakeholders within the organisation. They carry out an application assessment, like a process audit, before returning to PRIMA to begin working through the application data.
Why do we prefer to do this on-site? Because our experience dictates that we must understand what is actually happening at the plant and with the mill/crusher.
“What exactly are we trying to achieve here?”
The process moves ahead to design stage, where we – once again – carefully consider the customers’ needs and priorities, be they performance-, savings- or throughput-related. We ask, “What exactly are we trying to achieve here?”
Answering this question upfront helps to share with the customer the full scope of what might be needed, for optimal collaboration, but it also enables us to appropriately leverage our own experience, know-how, and tools. (Remember, when you deal with PRIMA, there’s no mass manufacturing, only bespoke products.)
Typically, we go on to specify and standardise product requirements, so that a complete solution can be issued to production. At this stage, there is usually another discussion with the customer, to confirm the final design. Then, once we receive the customer’s go-ahead, we move to manufacturing.
Manufacturing doesn’t end the loop
But the loop doesn’t end there. Our Product Engineer gives it a once-over: reflecting on what the customer needed and assessing whether the end result aligns with that.
Installation is the next step and PRIMA teams are on-site for this. Installation times are critical and our team is always looking to refine the design.
During the liner life cycle, we systematically conduct mill inspections, taking into account key measurements that will be used to validate the effectiveness of the design. And, after an in-use period, we continue to monitor the product, to make sure that it performs per the original design.
But how big is the PRIMA team, then?
Yes, all this may sound like a lot of manpower. But PRIMA is not enormous. As such, we’re known to be personal and hands-on; to leverage control and flexibility. We also use the latest modelling software and 3D rendering, to achieve our objectives.
Plus, we reject complacency. Because we know that, if our process isn’t followed, we run the risk of missing or misinterpreting our customers’ needs. Worse, if we’re not able to manage the process properly, there’s no assurance that things are going to proceed smoothly – and there’s no peace of mind for the customer.
And here’s the bottom line: partnership
At PRIMA, we are thorough. And when you have a need, we keep it top of mind at all times. After all, you know what performance you want from your plant and we at PRIMA know how to help you to make it happen. That’s partnership.
But partnership, ultimately, is about asking the right questions, multiple times. It’s about rejecting assumption, every time. And that’s why we focus on life cycle support, end to end, to mitigate risk and save our customers time and money.
