The following outline is a basis for an online form that captures and catalogues Motion Control Solutions. The outline consists of the proposed data elements for the Motion Control Solution form. The form can be segmented into three major information categories: Process Improvement Opportunity, Motion Control Solution, and Business Impact. Each information category has several relevant sub-categories, most of which contain required data elements.

As such, the Motion Control Solution form captures common information about each solution. It also provides a questionnaire format for the person who inputs the data. Rather than beginning with a blank page, the person describing the solution can answer a series of questions. Many of the questions are multiple-choice, and the answer could be selected from a drop-down list. Other questions are subjective, and can be answered in a sentence or two that specifically describes a unique aspect of the particular solution. Thus, the person can effectively characterize the solution in terms that the audience understand and evaluate for applicability.

By establishing common data elements, the resulting database can also be searchable. Each of the objective data elements can be used as search components. Consequently, a library "visitor" can search for all solutions listed under his SIC code, for example. With the information properly classified, the visitor can narrow down the solutions that apply to him.

Following the Motion Control Solution form, each solution story expresses the same message:

    1. Here is the opportunity for improvement
    2. This is how Livingston & Haven or its vendor created a solution by applying motion control services, engineering, and components
    3. This was the result for the customer

By defining the data elements, the solution can be effectively classified and succinctly expressed.

 

  1. Process Improvement Opportunity
    1. Industry
      1. Name
      2. Description
      3. SIC code (4-digit minimum, preferably 6 or 8)
      4. Related industries
      5. Other industries with similar applications
    2. Process (Applies to User and/or OEM)
      1. Current production method, for example
        1. Description (1 or 2 sentences)
          1. What is produced?
          2. How is it produced?
        2. Resources required in production (quantified)
          1. Time
          2. Equipment
          3. Personnel
        3. Cost
          1. Total cost of resources required
        4. Scope
          1. Frequency that the process is performed
            1. Number of cycles per day, e.g.
          2. Significance to overall company operation
            1. Scale from 1-10
                1. Where 1 is insignificant, 10 is mission-critical
      2. Desired change
        1. Improved Operational Efficiency
        2. Lower Production Cost
        3. Higher Profitability
        4. Greater Product Quality / Value
        5. Improved Safety
          1. Production safety
          2. End-product safety
        6. Etc.
    3. End Product (OEM)
      1. Current production method
        1. Description
          1. What is produced?
          2. How is it produced?
        2. Resources required
          1. Time
          2. Production equipment
          3. Personnel
          4. Components
        3. Cost
          1. Total cost of resources required
        4. Scope
          1. Number produced
            1. Quantity
            2. Dollar amount
          2. Significance to overall company operation
            1. Scale from 1-10
              1. Where 1 is insignificant, 10 is mission-critical
      2. Desired change
        1. Improved Operational Efficiency
        2. Lower Production Cost
        3. Higher Profitability
        4. Greater Product Quality
        5. Improved Safety
        6. Etc.
  2. Motion Control Solution
    1. Description
      1. How were motion control components, engineering, and related services applied to provide a solution?
    2. Product Groups Applied (Choose all that apply from drop-down list;)
      1. Automation
      2. Connectors
      3. Electronics
      4. Hydraulics
      5. Pneumatics
    3. System implementation
      1. How was each applicable product group integrated into the process to bring about the desired solution?
  3. Business Impact (describe and quantify all that apply)
    1. Improved Operational Efficiency
      1. How did the solution improve operational efficiency?
    2. Reduced Production Cost
      1. How did the solution reduce production cost?
      2. What are the cost savings per process cycle?
      3. What are the project annual savings?
    3. Higher Profitability
      1. How did the solution increase profitability?
      2. What are the cost savings per process cycle?
      3. What are the projected annual profitability gains?
    4. Greater Product Quality / Value
      1. How did the solution improve product quality?
    5. Improved Safety
      1. How did the solution make the production process safer?
      2. How did the solution make the end product safer?
    6. Etc.