By applying these DFX methodologies with a focus on faster time to market, medical device companies can quickly update and extend the life of existing products.
By focusing on speed-to-market in the redesign process, companies can maintain market relevance, quickly address evolving customer needs, and potentially gain first-mover advantages in competitive healthcare markets. This approach allows for rapid product improvements and updates while minimizing the time typically required for completely new designs.
Key benefits of this approach include:
The resulting updated products can offer enhanced features, improved performance, or better usability while leveraging existing regulatory approvals, manufacturing processes, and market presence. This strategy can help companies respond quickly to market demands, stay ahead of competitors, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Let's dive deeper to understand how each design area can be applied to faster time to market when extending the life of an existing medical product design.
The focus and discipline of DFX is a powerful tool if used as part of a broader strategic approach to developing product/process differentiation, and a sustainable advantage against competition. Involve Design for X in Strategy. Once your team has determined the focus of your strategy, place the focus of design on developing competitive advantage.
At Boston Engineering, DFX is a core part of creating values during our product development process. We focus on several key DFX areas that align with our expertise:
Learn more about Design for X (DFX) at Boston engineering: Boston Engineering Design for X
The following are illustrative examples of a potential product design decisions a company might make to take strategic advantage of the noted benefits of introducing a new product to market vs. updating an existing product. The cases are presented to evoke thoughts and questions around the potential business case for such decisions, and the reasoning behind each.
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Example: For the orthopedic implant with improved materials
A DFM expert could focus on:
Faster time to market: Reduced need for new manufacturing setup, allowing for quicker production ramp-up.
Example: For the ventilator with new software features
Working with a DFA expert might involve:
Faster time to market: Streamlined assembly process reducing production time and minimizing retooling.
Example: For the pacemaker with extended battery life
A DFC expert could suggest:
Faster time to market: Reduced sourcing and production complexities, allowing for quicker product launch.
Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments
Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments
DFT considerations might include:
Faster time to market: Accelerated testing and validation processes, reducing time in the quality assurance phase.
While some view AI as a potential job replacement threat, the reality is that these advanced capabilities are better positioned as “workforce multipliers” that will amplify the abilities of doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical professionals.
Example: For the infusion pump with updated user interface
A DFR expert might focus on:
Faster time to market: Reduced time in reliability testing and validation, especially for unchanged components.
Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments
DFS considerations could include:
Faster time to market: Simplified service procedures and reduced need for extensive service network updates.
Example: For the infusion pump with updated user interface
A DFU expert might suggest:
Faster time to market: Reduced time in user testing and training material development.
Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments
DFMo considerations could include:
Faster time to market: Parallel development of new modules and features, reducing overall development time.
In this eBook, we’ll dive into the real-world experiences of DFX subject matter expert John DePiano, exploring the common areas where existing product owners excel, as well as the key opportunities where targeted DFX support can drive major improvements.
Understanding the Importance of a DFX approach in medical device design & development
Applying Design for X (DFX) methodologies upfront in medical device development optimizes the entire lifecycle by improving manufacturability, testability, reliability, usability, and other critical characteristics. This avoids costly redesigns later on, facilitates high-quality products that satisfy customers, reduces manufacturing and service costs, and supports flexibility through modularity and platforms. The holistic perspective of DFX drives efficient, cost-effective delivery of successful products that provide competitive advantage. Investing in DFX early pays dividends across the entire product lifespan.
Do you offer training on DFX for your medical engineering teams?
Education is critical to effectively implement DFX principles. We provide training tailored to your engineers’ roles and product lines. This includes overall DFX methodology, deep dives into specific disciplines like design for reliability or manufacturability, and practical application workshops. Our hands-on approach combines real-world examples and case studies with tutorials on leading DFX software tools. The goal is building organizational DFX expertise and establishing repeatable processes that endure beyond individual projects. Investing in DFX knowledge pays dividends across your entire product portfolio.
Ready to Begin your next medical device DFX Project?
No matter the challenge, our team possesses the expertise in the engineering disciplines and technologies you need to bring your vision to life. Impossible Challenge? Try Us.
Impossible Challenge? Try Us.
Selecting a partner to help you complete your design project is a valuable option to reduce project duration and save money.
The Boston Engineering product development system encompasses DFX to ensure a smooth product launch and success in the marketplace. Boston Engineering has DFX knowledge and experience to address aspects and values of a product such as manufacturability, test, reliability, safety, serviceability, cost, and compliance with industry standards and government regulations.
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