The
Setting:
When the
new transparent credit cards entered the market, they threw a major monkey
wrench into the credit card industry's processing operations. Current equipment
couldn't count them in their
500-card cartons or in handfuls of cards, a critical operation that they
have to repeat multiple times.
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The
Outcome:
When finished, BIT 7 had developed a card counter, with no
moving parts, that utilized breakthrough optical capabilities, and
employed a unique software algorithm. Much to the client's delight, this
development effort provided the ability to develop intellectual property and,
with no moving parts, greatly reduced manufacturing costs.
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Product
Development Objective:
With a
potential $10,000 loss per uncounted card, BIT 7 was asked to develop a
way to count cards to assure 100% counting accuracy on a proof-of-concept
model. Once demonstrated, implement the idea into a manufactureable
solution.
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What's
Next?
Now the client needed to get five working units to the international trade
show in Germany
in seven weeks. By utilizing concurrent design and
engineering (industrial design, electronic hardware engineering,
software design, and mechanical engineering) we designed, procured and
assembled five units for the show.
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Design
strategy:
The first
critical phase of the project was to utilize
our Advanced Development Group to evaluate and test different technologies
to accomplish the goal. Through an iterative process, we constructed a series
of proof-of-concept optical models to demonstrate the capabilities and
determine the accuracy of the system to the client.
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And
what does our client have to say?
"I wish to express to all those employees and suppliers whose efforts
contributed to the success in finalizing the prototype equipment for shipment
to the show; A VERY BIG THANK YOU! From those who worked countless
hours of nights and weekends (you know who you are), to shipping, gathering
brochures, parts, etc., I extend a heartfelt thanks
for a job well done! " - Director / Executive Vice President
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