Success Stories - New Product Introduction (NPI)
Dell Innovation Services helps break the mold in the Concrete Industry
The Challenge
Marketing driven design improvements were made on the standard mixer cab to enhance the working environment for the operator.
- Increase interior volume by 25%
- Measurably improve visibility, primarily in the area around the a-post, the bottom of the front windshield, and the bottom of the side windows
- Provide a trainer seat for ride along passengers
- Evaluate human ergonomics
- New cab must not exceed 100 additional lbs.
- Cost not to exceed specified target
The Solution
- Develop multiple ID concepts
- Translate winning ID concept into functional Pro/E model
- Develop new sheet metal structure, and new dash panels to fit new cab design
- Create plywood mock-up of new cab design to showcase additional space and visibility
- Conduct design review with several key customers to capture their feed back on new features and component placement
The Results
- New cab has a 26% workable increase in volume as well as a 19% increase in glass area
- A flip down trainer seat is now located in the primary cab. This feature is the first of it’s kind in this industry
- Conducted line of sight and reach analysis of new cab vs. the old cab
- The additional weight of the new cab is a difference of 83 lbs. well under the 100 lb. target
- The per cab cost is significantly lower than originally expected because of a competitive bid package that was created and sent to multiple vendors