NEWS

Powell, OH

From smart utensils to AI powered vision systems, D-Terra’s team of engineers in collaboration with CIFT (The Center for Innovative Food Technology), are helping to power more valuable and efficient food production and manufacturing techniques.

D-Terra Solutions, known for its expertise in manufacturing and precision engineering, is bringing its technological prowess to the food sector with a suite of automated tools designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and scalability in food processing. With a vision to help producers meet rising global demands, D-Terra’s engineers are at the forefront of developing innovative systems that could significantly streamline food production workflows.

Erik Gray, Product Development Engineer, has been the lead on several highly technical automation programs that require software development and embedded firmware that work in harmony with our hardware design to ensure the systems meet customer specifications and performance requirements.

The primary goals of D-Terra’s work have been extensive systems research and development, followed by pilot programs with select food producers. The success of these pilots could see the technology scaled for widespread adoption, offering the food industry a much-needed solution to modern production challenges.

Project examples include:

• Grote/Platter food temperature monitoring system
• Henny Penny vision system
• Pro-Pak Industries proof of principle prototype packaging machine
• Hirzel Canning Company vision system

For food producers and industry stakeholders, the D-Terra-CIFT partnership represents a promising avenue to modernize and strengthen food production systems in a sustainable, tech-forward way.

About D-Terra Solutions
D-Terra Solutions specializes in advanced engineering, manufacturing, and automation solutions across multiple industries. With a team of expert engineers and a commitment to innovation, the company seeks to transform traditional processes with intelligent, automated solutions.

About CIFT
The Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing the food industry through innovative practices, research, and partnerships. Based in Ohio, CIFT collaborates with businesses to promote efficient, sustainable, and modern food production methods.

November, 2023 – D-Terra Solutions, Powell, OH

In the stages of product manufacturing, the process doesn’t end with the product launch—it evolves into a critical phase involving post-launch and logistics management. This phase is vital for companies aiming to sustain their success and thrive in a competitive market. In this article, D-Terra Solutions explores the significance of post-launch and logistics management (a process D-Terra holds integral to our clients’ success) and offers insights into best practices.

The Importance of Momentum, Quality, and Optimization:

1. Maintaining Momentum: Effective post-launch management involves strategies to keep the momentum of a new product alive through targeted marketing, customer engagement, and continuous improvement based on customer feedback. Think of your selling channels, customer demographics, and determine a customer needs map that will inform future product decisions.
2. Quality Assurance: Ensuring product quality is an ongoing commitment. Post-launch management includes monitoring product performance, addressing any issues that may arise, and implementing improvements. A proactive approach to quality assurance builds trust among customers and enhances the brand’s reputation. D-Terra Solutions utilizes ISO and IATF standards to maintain quality throughout the product lifecycle.
3. Supply Chain Optimization: A well-optimized supply chain is critical to the success of a product. Collaborating with a reliable supply chain partner ensures a smooth flow of materials, reduces lead times, and minimizes the risk of disruptions. It also allows for better scalability as demand fluctuates.

Risk mitigation is another ongoing process that is critical to a company’s success. After launching a new product, companies must be prepared to navigate various risks, from supply chain disruptions to regulatory changes. Robust logistics management includes risk assessment and mitigation strategies, such as diversifying suppliers or maintaining a safety stock. One does not have to look back too far for an example of how regulatory changes coupled with supply chain disruptions, such as during the Covid Pandemic, have a drastic and negative effect on logistics management.

Additional practices that can be important to consider are sustainability and adaptability:

As sustainability becomes a key focus in the manufacturing industry, integrating eco-friendly logistics practices is crucial. This may involve optimizing transportation routes, reducing packaging waste, and selecting carriers with strong environmental credentials. Certifications from reputable organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can help guide companies in sustainable practices.

The market is ever-changing, and post-launch success requires adaptability. A responsive logistics strategy allows companies to adjust to market fluctuations, meet changing customer demands, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Collaborating with a Comprehensive Service Provider:

Companies looking to optimize post-launch and logistics management often find value in partnering with comprehensive service providers, like D-Terra Solutions. These partners offer a range of services, including product manufacturing, consulting, and supply chain management. By consolidating these services, companies can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Post-launch and logistics management is a critical point where companies can either solidify their success or fail under the pressures of a dynamic market. Embracing this phase with strategic planning, quality assurance, and an adaptable logistics strategy is key to building a stable and successful brand. By partnering with a comprehensive service provider, companies can navigate the complexities of post-launch and logistics management with confidence, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction.

Every year, 95% of new consumer products launched fail, and many more don’t even make it to market.

For every company that attempts to manage product development internally, there are ten that have learned that the fastest, most efficient way to bring new products to market is by turning to knowledgeable experts. Partnering with D-Terra can help your people and your company stay focused on core strengths and avoid internal stumbling blocks such as staffing changes and shifting priorities.

For over 30 years, D-Terra Solutions has helped hundreds of companies and inventors successfully bring new products to the market.

By managing the design/engineering, manufacturing, transportation and fulfillment aspects of the product commercialization process,  D-Terra can streamline product launch activities to eliminate unnecessary delays.

Other advantages to outsourcing product development and manufacturing with D-Terra include:

• Avoid burdening internal staff with job functions outside their core competencies
• Reduce your company’s reliance on overhead- the resources you need are available when they’re most needed
• Gain access to world-class expertise- Tapping into the D-Terra global manufacturing team means each new project is matched with the most appropriate facility
• Engage our Professional Services discipline to help you think “outside-the-box” and find fresh approaches gained from years of combined experience in a variety of industries and product categories.

A History of Success. Our Approach to Product Commercialization
Process discipline is the foundation of the D-Terra business model. The result is the D-Terra Process, an approach to new product development and manufacturing that takes full advantage of proven process engineering and manufacturing techniques to maximize efficiency and improve results. Utilizing Six Sigma and collaborative development philosophies, the D-Terra process is what gives us the ability to deliver products to market on time and on budget, with the highest possible quality.

Phase 1: Project Plan
The Project Plan Phase of the D-Terra process defines business needs, opportunities, and feasibility for the client. Here sales and marketing data is combined with customer critical-to-quality requirements (CTQs) to develop the overall project plan.

Phase 2: Concept Development
In the Concept Development Phase, discovery and definition of product, brand, and communications characteristics important to a successful product, are identified. Specific embodiments are created and evaluated, and one is selected. Product specifications are then developed.

Phase 3: Engineering Development
This phase is comprised of engineering activities required in the development of a manufacturable product. The design is then validated to ensure that the customers’ CTQs are met.

Phase 4: Manufacturing Systems Development
In this phase of the process, Manufacturing Systems Development, the manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure is put in place. Tools and equipment are debugged, and pre-production samples are built and approved. Market confirmation testing is performed, and the product launch plan is deployed.

Phase 5: Pilot
In the Pilot Phase, significant quantities of the product are manufactured in the production environment and the manufacturing process capability is validated. Final product testing is performed, and customer approval obtained to begin volume production.

Phase 6:  Production
In the Production Phase, manufacturing ramp-up occurs to achieve the required capacity and throughput. Product inventory is built, and distribution channels filled in accordance with the product launch requirements.

Phase 7: Post-Launch Management
The seventh phase, Post-Launch Management, involves maintenance and continuous improvement of production and supply chain, logistics activities through Six Sigma methodology. Key focus areas in this phase include identifying potential cost reduction opportunities and Multi-Generation Product Planning (MGPP).

Key to the success of any product commercialization project is the D-Terra interdisciplinary team which includes design, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics experts well versed in the D-Terra process. With experience working for such companies as DRiV (Tenneco), Procter and Gamble, Worthington Industries, Console Vault, LKQ, AZEK (TimberTech) and Newell, the professionals at D-Terra provide a level of differentiation few can match.

A few examples of how we’ve helped our clients succeed in the global marketplace can be found in our CASE STUDIES.