Holland Vision Systems (HVS) has some of the most innovative engineers working to develop new and exciting products daily. At Holland Vision Systems, we have a wide array of products we have designed in-house, and we continue to design more. General Manager, Bryan McCranner stated, “What sets us apart is we create new products here, things that are not just sold off the shelf”. Here, we will walk you through the product development process used at Holland Vision Systems.
The product development process typically begins with a customer call or the identification of a newfound need. Initially, we assess whether any of our existing products can be modified or adapted to fulfill the troubled application needing assistance. If a new product is deemed necessary, we embark on the development journey.
Before starting a design, our engineers define the requirements for the product. This includes considering functionality and needs of the customer, environmental requirements including the temperature and cleanliness of the operation, size and view limitations, and seamless integration with the equipment whether the camera will be built into the manufacturing of the truck or equipment, or if it will be retrofitted.
From here, the engineers can begin to design the product. The product design process comprises two essential components: mechanical processes and electronics. These two aspects work collaboratively to create exceptional products.
On the mechanical side, our team takes into account physical limitations and functional requirements. They employ CAD modeling and 3D printed prototypes to thoroughly test and refine their designs. Regular coordination with our manufacturing team enables valuable feedback and suggestions from a manufacturing and assembly perspective. As the design progresses towards its final stage, we also involve our trusted metal fabrication partners for additional insights.
Simultaneously, the electronics development team focuses on optimizing camera functions and capabilities. This cross-functional collaboration is one of the defining elements of Holland Vision Systems. All working parts harmoniously unite to deliver outstanding products.
To illustrate the development process, let’s take a closer look at one of our most popular systems, The Integra, as an example.
When planning the design of The Integra, the engineers set these goals:
- Increase runtime between charges by 300%
- Eliminate need for operator to switch off camera at end of shift
- Simplify installation process
- Cut installation time and cost dramatically
The mechanical team leveraged the power of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to visualize and refine potential product designs. Additionally, 3D printing technology played a crucial role in creating physical prototypes, allowing for tangible evaluation and user testing.
The next step involved the integration of electronics, where skilled technicians installed the necessary components, such as cameras, wireless transmitters, antennas, battery holders, sensors, and shutoff controls. The primary objective during this stage was to simplify the installation process, reducing both time and cost for customers. This was achieved by creating a single bolt-on module that combines all the required elements, ensuring easy installation… success!
The outcomes:
- Simplified Installation: Thanks to the innovative bolt-on module design, the installation of forklift cameras now takes approximately 30 minutes, streamlining operations for customers.
- Increased Runtime: The runtime between charges has been enhanced by an astonishing 300%, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
- Automatic Camera Functionality: Previously, operators had to manually switch off the camera at the end of their shifts. However, with the latest development, the camera now turns on and off automatically, eliminating the need for remote controls or fobs. This automation saves time and ensures consistent usage.
- Cost Reduction: The integrated design of the bolt-on module, incorporating multiple components into a single unit, has not only simplified installation but also dramatically cut down on installation costs. This cost-effective solution benefits both the company and its customers.
At Holland Vision Systems, our dedicated engineers leverage their expertise and collaborate seamlessly to ensure the highest quality and performance in every product we create. Innovation is our driving force, and we strive to consistently exceed customer expectations.
Written by Jessica VerBeek
