Events
November 2019 ENGINEERING UPDATE
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f you’re looking to innovate, think long-term. There’s no value in a good idea if there isn’t also a framework in place to enable development beyond the idea phase. However, the framework only pays dividends if a company also fosters a supportive staff culture. In real terms, this means: • Having an open mind – If staff feel their suggestions will be ignored or laughed at, they won’t speak up. Communicate that all ideas are welcome. • Being patient – Take time to reflect on new ideas and improve upon them. • Learning from your experiences – If your idea isn’t perfect, use the knowledge you’ve gained to improve things further. • Collective ownership – A teambased approach to innovation allows individuals and departments to freely explore new ideas. • Collaboration – Work with colleagues, end-users and the wider industry to discover what the market needs, and develop solutions to real problems.
Once a supportive culture is in place and a framework to support the development of any new ideas has been established, consider how your company can truly innovate. Rather than a single ‘Eureka!’ moment, think of innovation as an ongoing process.
The same but different Innovation can be as simple as using the same product in a different application. For example, a brewery approached us for a solution to pump their viscous spent grain product. We already had experience of using open hopper pumps for viscous materials in the wastewater industry. Following a successful trial, our open hopper pumps are now widely used in breweries and distilleries – innovation, even though this ‘novel’ solution was already in use elsewhere.
Doing things better Think about how you can make your existing product range even better. Our BCFH range – the first pump range to be certified under the new EHEDG testing regime – came about following customer feedback for a pump to meet the food industry’s stringent hygiene standards, without compromising product quality.
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Subtle or disruptive
_ which tactic best innovates the food industry? Lesley Eaton, Marketing Executive for progressive cavity (PC) pump specialist SEEPEX UK, explains why fostering an ongoing supportive climate is more valuable than a single great idea when it comes to encouraging innovation.
Exploring alternative solutions Don’t be afraid to explore other options to find a solution to your customer’s problems. We were approached by Natures Way Foods for a solution to pump their mixed waste containing mango stones, vines and other tough products. Horizontal grinders proved unsuitable, and relying on gravity to pass the product through caused ‘bridging’; so, we developed a system
incorporating a vertical grinder to ensure that everything, including stones, was pushed through into the pump. Rather than spending time, money and effort trying to hit upon the next big thing, companies should instead consider focusing on the cornerstones of innovation: listening to customers, collaborating with industry and fostering a supportive staff culture.