The Seeker: 

A large scientific instrument company that designed and made a range of scientific instruments, for a wide range of applications.

The Challenge:

The company had a number of proprietary technologies, which were core to the product offering. High quality and reliability are key success factors in this industry, with a key focus on gas detection and analysis.

The efficiency and optimisation of the test processes both during and at the end of production was essential to achieving higher throughput and potentially cost reduction, while maintaining quality.

The response:

In order to assist with a review of test strategy, the company invited two students to work for two weeks assessing the current strategy and propose improvements.

This involved making a thorough review of the current product range and test activities, which included automated test equipment (ATE) at the end of production. The conclusion of the project involved the students presenting their proposed new test strategy to senior management, followed by a full report written sent after their return to the university.

Outcomes:

The company was both surprised and delighted with what two focused young people could achieve in such a short time, and the students gained a very valuable experience of problem solving in the live context of the people and activities of the company.

The students were also delighted with the good mark they were awarded for a very good project result!

Note:  this is a real project that has been anonymised for confidentiality and to provide an example of the type of project that might be suitable