Roger Lam, MBX Systems
[Image from Pixabay]
Most medical device manufacturers are familiar with the principles of design for manufacturing (DFM), a process utilized in the initial hardware development process to optimize product components and performance before production. But after launch, there’s another critical step that can trim the total cost of ownership by 5–10% annually by fine-tuning design elements that usually get short shrift in the rush to get to market.Value analysis/value engineering (VAVE) involves engaging an engineering team to identify design improvements in the finished product and related processes that can increase performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. VAVE requires a comprehensive audit of areas ranging from the embedde…