Targeting Innovation

Introducing innovative processes

Blairs is one of the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of architectural and heritage windows and doors, employing 150 employees in Greenock, Scotland.

It has built its reputation on blending skilled craftsmanship with technology to produce high volumes of complex products in a 12,000 square metre facility, with a turnover of £9.5m in 2005.

The Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT) Process started with a two-day workshop in January 2006 run by Targeting Innovation. The workshop had eight mixed delegates ranging from marketing and design through to production. The team generated 65 potential product improvements on their Sash and Case window product, classified as cost reductions; simple process improvements; minor product feature upgrades; new products and advanced products.

Following the workshop and initial introduction to the SIT methodology Blair's received consultancy support and advice to help embed the process into their organisation.

Since the workshop, three ideas have been incorporated as a solution to provide an upgraded Mk2 Sash and Case window product with first production in September 2006. Benefits of the solution include: improved weather-ability and performance, better acoustics, no rattle and the removal of wood to wood contact.

One idea is currently being investigated for incorporation into all products. Laminated wood offers different customer finishes and also potential different internal and external finishes. It is anticipated that laminated wood will be used on all product ranges starting with production with the new components in September 2006.

24 ideas identified under a Universal Frame Project will be considered for inclusion in the Mk3 Sash & Case Window during a Design Review planned for Jan 07. Any ideas taken forward will be incorporated in the subsequent design/production in 2007.

The Engineering Department has been restructured and the SIT method is now used as part of the up front Design Process to identify potential improvements using the SolidWorks CAD package to prototype the ideas.

The SIT process is now an integral part of the business with training delivered internally by Allan French the R&D Director. The process has been subsequently applied to a door product and has generated several improvements included incorporating design features by machining one piece of wood rather that adding inserts and also reducing the amount of different profiles to be machined (reducing tool set up times).

www.blairsltd.co.uk