STRATEGIC DESIGN AT START-UP |
ROGOV REVIEW |
ROGOV ENGINEERING |
Axiom Biotechnologies, a privately-held company was focused on improving the efficiency of drug discovery with an accelerated process of screening 'hits' to pre-clinical leads. In the relay of Axiom’s concept was a long chain of bio / electro / mechanical sub-components that were sprawled out in a sequence across numerous laboratory bench tops. REQUIREMENTS
Axiom came to Rogov with three requirements:
1. Synthesize a room full of bio/electro/mechanical components into a compact stand-alone, high-throughput, automated pharmacology station, which can be operated by a single lab technician.
2. Create an instrument that will impress major pharmaceutical partner companies for collaboration.
3. Deliver three systems for shipment in 120 days. |
On close examination, we found a myriad of individual high precision instruments in the path of action. From agitators to photometers, spectrum analyzers to liquid transfer systems, with tubing, waste disposal containers and electrical cables snaking around the lab.
The challenge was formidable. How do you organize and fit a dozen mechanical and electrical components from diverse manufacturers in diverse sizes, scattered on benches around the laboratory into a single stand-alone system with perfect ergonomics and human-factors?
How do you integrate the diverse independent electrical connections with complex and unique safety issues, along with liquid management and hazardous waste disposal issues? How do you manifest all those requirements into one compact elegant, harmonious, gene mining station. One which will also impress the lab technician, who will enjoy running the station day after day?
ROGOV DESIGN
We began with an analysis of the client's proprietary core technology.
We analyzed every item and documented all the components and their requirements as used in the chain
of events. Simultaneously we proceeded with a competitive and related product review to aid in our strategic design objectives.
We determined the scale of all components used and produced easy-to-handle mockups of each component to aid in the configuration exploration process.
We explored configurations which would produce the most efficient process flow, and offered the smallest foot print.
We equally followed and confirmed every option with intensive testing for optimum operator comfort and effectiveness; as well as for impact on overall scale and sequence on operator perception and usability.
We explored structures and materials which could contain all the components in a compact and cost efficient manner.
A full scale detail station model was created to give instant feedback and we tested all relevant hypothesis at actual scale and usability.
The model accurately helped determine component placements for convenient servicing, maintenance and calibration functions. It also served to reveal safety issues with electrical systems and waste liquid disposal collection placement.
|
Utilizing state-of-the-art computer design, engineering detail design progressed naturally in a focused collaborative effort. The full scale mock-up enabled quick resolution of engineering obstacles, and quickly revealed areas available for compromise and areas requiring greater effort -- leading to clear understanding of the expectations and confirming desired outcome. Following an aggressive schedule, we were able to plug in a proven group of affiliated vendors, metal processing and parts finishing houses, as components moved through engineering to the appropriate level of detail and specifications.
Parts were checked for fit and finish as they arrived, and we built three systems and delivered them to the customer: plug-and-play ready.
RESULT Today, emerging companies must show their ability to understand the challenges of a larger company in terms of branding and economics in order to cement a leading-edge partnership.
Execution becomes the make-or-break criteria. Partnering with Rogov leveraged an extremely cost effective path and AXIOM was able to show the market that they could not only invent a new technology with the potential to accelerate the process of drug discovery, but also that they could execute and deliver a complete solution in a way which would rival the quality and resources of multi-national competition.
Rogov’s strategic design resulted in the company’s flagship technology, High Throughput Pharmacology System (HT-PS). The company has subsequently been acquired by Arena Pharmaceuticals.
As a one-stop strategic design, development and manufacturing partner, Rogov delivered three stand-alone human-centered HT-PS work stations to the customer within 120 days.
|