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The Importance of Supply Chain Management

February 18, 2023

Supply chain management is the process of managing the logistics of an organization. It involves planning, implementing, and controlling the supply chain to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. The supply chain involves raw materials that are sourced to produce goods, shipping of those goods to customers, and disposal of returned or obsolete materials.

This blog will discuss the importance of supply chain management and its various types. We will also cover how businesses can implement effective supply chain management.

The Importance of Supply Chain Management

 

What is Supply Chain Management?

A supply chain management system is a framework used to plan, coordinate, and monitor the flow of materials, information, and money through various stages of a business’s supply chain.

It involves tracking products from their source to the store shelves and identifying potential inefficiencies. A supply chain management system includes the following components:

  • Planning
  • Logistics
  • Inventory management
  • Procurement and sourcing
  • Production planning and scheduling
  • Customer relationship management
  • Monitoring and reporting, and problem-solving

How can supply chain management help improve the customer experience?

With effective supply chain management processes in place, businesses can anticipate disruptions in the supply chain and adjust quickly to avoid quality or financial issues. This enables them to provide consistent customer service – a key aspect of building customer loyalty. In addition to this, supply chain management helps businesses tackle their cost of carrying inventory – an important financial metric for businesses-and to monitor cost-efficient operations.

Benefits of Supply Chain Management

  • A supply chain management system allows companies to manage the entire process of sourcing, manufacturing, shipping, and distributing products. This helps to improve customer service, increase efficiency, and cost savings.
  • By managing the supply chain effectively, companies can better collaborate with their suppliers and partners.
  • Through effective supply chain management, businesses are able to track orders from origin to delivery and make informed decisions about future operations. This creates greater visibility of their operations and allows them to leverage the value of their supply chain fully. As a result, businesses are able to increase profits and customer satisfaction.
  • Moreover, supply chain management is very helpful in improving efficiency and operating costs
  • A well-established supply chain management system is likely to reduce operational risks by ensuring optimal visibility of each stage of the process.
  • In addition, it can help businesses leverage new technologies and develop innovative business models that could lead to greater market share and profitability.

How to Implement Effective Supply Chain Management

  • Establish strategic partnerships with suppliers and partners.
  • Develop a system to track inventory and identify areas of improvement.
  • Utilize data analysis and tracking tools to monitor performance.
  • Streamline processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
  • Invest in technology and automation for better decision-making.

What are the Different Types of Supply Chains?

  • Make-to-Stock (MTS) supply chains produce goods before orders are placed.
  • Make-to-Order (MTO) supply chains create products only when orders are placed.
  • Assemble-to-Order (ATO) supply chains assemble products after orders are placed.
  • Engineer-to-Order (ETO) supply chains customize products to meet customer requirements.

The different types of supply chain management can play an important role in the effective planning, logistics, and financial management of a business. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the overall objective of the business.

For example, the MTS supply chain results in the timely delivery of finished products to customers with high inventory turn and low sourcing costs. However, issues such as inventory obsolescence and excess capacity are likely to occur and can lead to high costs.

MTO supply chain offers fast product development but gives little time to reflect customer inputs and may result in short sales cycle times due to customization. ETO supply chain provides cost-effective product development but demands timely delivery of end products with fewer customization opportunities for customer inputs.

The type of supply chain management adopted should be flexible enough for the business needs and market conditions throughout the process of planning, logistics, and financial management of a business.

 Make sure you choose a type of supply chain that is suitable for your business objectives, processes, and market conditions.

Supply Chain Management for Businesses

Supply chain management is crucial for any business, as it helps optimize resources and increase efficiency.

  • Good supply chain management can help businesses to reduce costs and improve customer service levels. It can help to reduce inventory risk and improve customer service levels.
  • Good supply chain management can also help to reduce inventory-related costs, such as storage, transportation, and warehousing expenses. It also helps businesses achieve effective product monitoring and forecasting.
  • Finally, good supply chain management can also help businesses to stay competitive in the market.

By following a well-defined process, businesses can ensure efficient communication with their partners and suppliers for effective collaboration.

Is Outsourcing a Part of Supply Chain Management?

Outsourcing is a popular option when it comes to managing the supply chain. By outsourcing certain tasks, businesses are able to save on costs and improve efficiency. But how does outsourcing fit into supply chain management?

When it comes to managing the supply chain, outsourcing can be used for a variety of activities. These include manufacturing, order fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation services. Each of these activities requires specialized skills that a business may not have available or may not find cost-effective. 

By outsourcing these services to an external partner, businesses are able to take advantage of economies of scale and access resources they would otherwise not have available in-house.

Are you ready to equip your business with the best tools for successful supply chain management?

The process can be optimized using metrics such as overall operating efficiency or cost-to-sales. Factors such as product mix, sourcing decisions, inventory levels, logistics processes, and customer service levels are also essential for effective supply chain management.

Don’t let the challenges of managing a growing supply chain overwhelm you—take action now and start streamlining your processes!

With Technosoft optimize your operations and we will make sure that all facets of the supply chain are functioning quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

 

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Supply Chain Management

Embedded Firmware Development Process: A Comprehensive Guide

February 16, 2023

Few decades ago, embedded system development was done using hardware programming languages like C or assembly language. But as system complexity increased, the software development process started getting involved. As a result, embedded firmware development today is mostly software-driven.

However, embedded firmware development still has hardware considerations and constraints. It is a complex process involving hardware design and software development that results in embedded firmware.

In this blog, we will discuss steps in the embedded firmware development process, hardware design considerations while designing an embedded system, developing embedded firmware software, testing and debugging embedded firmware, and deployment of embedded firmware in an embedded system.

About Embedded Firmware Development Process: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the Meaning of the Embedded Firmware Development Process?

The embedded system development process is a holistic approach to creating embedded systems. It involves a series of steps, tools, and technologies to develop embedded products from inception to production. This process provides organizations with the necessary tools and resources to create high-quality embedded systems.

Steps of Embedded Firmware Development

Step 1: Define the system specifications -The system specification defines the hardware and software requirements of the product. This step outlines system features, functionality, performance requirements, and other specifications required for developing an effective design of the system.

Step 2: Develop hardware platform -The hardware platform provides hardware components for developing embedded systems such as microcontrollers, memory, interfaces, and other components. It also provides platform designs such as schematics, layouts, and bill-of-materials so that an organization can design a custom-made system based on its specific needs.

Step 3: Develop software system -The software system includes operating systems and middleware used to develop embedded system applications such as firmware or software applications. The organization can use commercially available frameworks such as Android or iOS to develop applications specifically tailored for embedded devices.

Step 4: Design product -The last step in the embedded system development process involves designing the product using well-defined hardware process such as functional specifications, technical specifications, functional specifications document (FSD), chip design documents (CDD), environmental specification document (ESD), bill-of-materials (BOM), etc.

This step provides organizations with vital information on how to create high-quality embedded systems. With this knowledge in hand, organizations can optimize their development processes and create products that meet customer expectations and deliver business value.

Designing the hardware for embedded firmware

– Begin with a hardware design document that outlines the system requirements and specifications. This document should include details on the system’s functionality, hardware design, and hardware specifications.

– Select an appropriate microcontroller for your hardware design. Consider factors such as cost, size, operating system support, features, and availability.

– Design your PCB with the components and connections needed to run the firmware. Include signals for power input, digital inputs/outputs, programming pins, flash memory connection pins, etc.

– After testing and debugging the hardware process, program it with embedded firmware. This step involves writing code for the microcontroller using programming software or a development tool.

– On completion of the project, review and test your firmware before releasing it to users.

Testing and debugging embedded firmware

– Use hardware simulators and emulators to reduce development time. These software programs help you test embedded firmware on a real device before investing time and money into creating a firmware prototype for that device. They provide a low-fidelity version of the real device, allowing you to test your code more quickly and accurately, as well as saving time and money in terms of development costs.

– Set up test fixtures that can replicate real-world conditions. Test fixtures are physical devices used to test embedded firmware and simulate real-world situations such as operating temperatures, system clock speeds, and other variables. You can create test fixtures using various tools, such as platforms and emulators, or by creating mockups using software such as Inkscape or Illustrator. These fixtures can be used to test embedded firmware in various scenarios, saving you time and money in development costs.

– Utilize automated tests to check system performance quickly. Automated tests are a great way to check system performance quickly without having to spend valuable development resources on manual testing. This is because automated tests can run many iterations of the same set of code quickly and consistently, checking for potential issues with different inputs or scenarios. This ensures there are no inter-op errors between the firmware and hardware components of the system

You can monitor code coverage to ensure all areas of code are tested effectively. Code coverage refers to the percentage of lines of code in a given piece of software that has been executed by the software’s automated unit testing system. This can show you how much of your embedded firmware has been tested manually versus automatically, helping you determine areas for improvement in your development process

Deployment of embedded firmware

– Start with defining the requirements of a successful firmware deployment.

– Select an appropriate development methodology and tools for the job.

– Develop the firmware to meet the functional requirements.

– Test the firmware for reliability and performance.

– Deploy and validate the firmware on the target system.

– Ensure that you follow all applicable regulations, such as those pertaining to the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

How to ensure quality in an embedded firmware development project?

To ensure quality in an embedded firmware development project, it’s important to follow a formalized development process. A good development firmware software will help you quickly and consistently produce high-quality firmware for your device.

A development process should include the following steps:

– Define requirements and create a test plan.

– Develop system architecture and create prototypes.

– Follow coding standards and use automated unit testing.

– Use quality assurance processes such as peer reviews, code inspections, and static analysis tools.

– Validate the firmware with hardware tests and user feedback.

Speed up your embedded firmware development time with Technosoft. Our solutions offer rapid and reliable debugging and deployment, plus unparalleled support to get you up and running fast! Don’t waste any more time struggling with inefficient software – trust Technosoft to take care of the hard stuff for you. Get started on the path to efficient embedded firmware development today – contact us now to learn more!

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Embedded Firmware Development, Uncategorized

Overview & Advantages Of Finite Element Analysis – Technosoft

February 1, 2023

Finite Element Analysis, often known as the “Finite Element Method,” is a systematic technique for solving differential equations numerically in engineering and mathematical modeling. It is a recommended way to predict how an assembly will act in a certain situation.

This method is popular in many technical fields because it provides exact solutions to common problems of relevance. FEA entails the breakdown of an issue into micro-problems in order to arrive at a solution. So, this blog is to gauge its micro applications and advantages.

Applications & Advantages Of Finite Element Analysis

What is Finite Element Analysis?

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computer technique that predicts how goods and materials will react to forces and other physical factors such as vibrations, heat, and fluid flow in the actual world. This is essential since it indicates whether a product will succeed or fail. 

If a product cannot withstand the conditions under which it must work, it must be reevaluated; the advantage of employing finite element analysis at this point is that the product has not yet been manufactured.

Principles of the Finite Element Method

The principles underlying finite element analysis include boundary conditions, such as forces and pressures, and three governing equations:

  1. Equations of equilibrium that determine when opposing forces or effects are balanced.
  2. Strain-displacement relations, quantify the deformation a structure undergoes in response to a specific set of external shocks.
  3. The behavior of a metal or substance to external stimuli can be predicted by constitutive equations, which are relations between two physical parameters that are unique to the material.

Types of Finite Element Analysis tests

During finite element analysis, a variety of tests are utilized, including

  1. Static structural analysis:

This method of FEA analyzes a proportionally sized model. Any structure that is sound on a small scale will be able to manage the same interactions as the full-size structure and generate the same results, according to the test.

  1. Analysis of thermal engineering techniques:

Thermal analysis refers to the diversity of techniques developed and employed to constantly measure any physical property of a product or system as a function of temperature. While operating, electronic circuits, engines, and machines all generate heat.

  1. Modal analysis:

Everything vibrates at a certain frequency, so it is essential to do a modal analysis to determine how disruptive external vibrations affect the structure of the product. This type of finite element analysis also enables users to account for vibrations during the design phase, resulting in a durable end product.

  1. Seismic engineering calculations:

This test enables designers to comprehend the product’s response to varying ground frequencies and vibrations, ensuring a solid foundation for the final structure.

Advantages of Finite Element Analysis

  1. Finite element analysis offers the safe simulation of potentially dangerous or destructive load circumstances and failure modes, allowing engineers to find a system’s physical reaction at any place. Other benefits include
  2. Increased accuracy due to the study of any physical stress that can damage the design.
  3. Because designers may witness how stresses within one piece can affect the materials of a related element, the design is enhanced.
  4. Earlier testing in the development process. Virtual prototyping enables the designer to simulate different designs and materials in a matter of hours, as opposed to the days required to create physical prototypes.
  5. Increased productivity and income as a result of the fact that FEA software enables designers to manufacture higher quality products in a faster design cycle with less material usage.
  6. Enhanced insight into important design parameters as the result of being able to simulate both the design’s interior and the exterior. This permits designers to evaluate how essential components influence the structure as a whole, as well as why and where failures may occur.
  7. Optimal utilization of models because a single model can be used to simulate several failure modes or physical events.
  8. Quick computation times and reasonable investment expenses.
  9. Access to existing experimental results, which can be retrieved from the parametric analyses of already validated models and used in the new model.

Applications of Finite Element Method

FEA has multiple applications, among which a few are noted below.

  • Stress Analysis– Stress, strain, failure points, fatigue, creep.
  • Thermal Analysis– Conduction, convection, radiation, conjugate heat transfer.
  • Vibration Analysis– Modal, harmonic, random, transient dynamic.
  • Seismic Analysis– Equivalent static, response spectrum, transient dynamics.
  • Impact & Crash Analysis– Equivalent static, short duration explicit simulation.

Wrapping Up

Finite Element Analysis is considered in the pre-product development stage to gauge its features and the optimizations required. FEA can be used as a “standalone option” or as part of a suite of analytical choices during the design process to develop and evaluate a product.

Technosoft Engineering offers premier structural stress analysis, pipe stress analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) services, ensuring structural and functional integrity for safe and optimal system design. 

With over a decade of engineering experience, we are able to assist clients in resolving their most difficult technical, design, and engineering issues, as well as deliver competitive and cost-effective solutions for optimizing the design of structures.

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Finite Element Analysis

A-Z Of A Product Development Process

January 30, 2023

This was quoted by Peter F. Drucker. It stands true as many new products have failed in the recent market due to a lack of innovation. Going by the numbers, almost 30,000 new products are launched each year, and 95% of them fail. Even bigger companies like Sony’s Betamax, Google Glass, and Microsoft Zune fail.

This failure is associated with a lack of innovation, which is indeed hindered by the fear of failure itself. So, is there a path to follow while innovating a new product? What are the important factors to consider while launching a product? What is the entire product development process?

Let’s get a detailed answer to the above questions in this blog.

A-Z Of A Product Development Process

What is the product development process?

The product development process outlines the steps a product owner should take prior to releasing a new product to the market or upgrading an existing product’s features. It includes identifying the product-market fit, planning the optimal approach for developing and releasing the product, and developing a pricing and go-to-market strategy.

Choosing the proper process flow is essential for ensuring a complete product development cycle. The two most popular models to facilitate a smooth process are:

  1. IDEO approach

It is a 5-step process that is research-intensive for new product development. These steps are:

  • Recognize and observe the market, the client, the technology, and the problem’s constraints;
  • Synthesize the data gathered in the first step;
  • Imagine new customers utilizing the product; 
  • Product prototyping, evaluation, and optimization;
  • Implementation of design modifications, which are associated with more complex technological processes, will therefore require more time.
  1. Lean start-up model

Lean startup is a method for developing businesses and products that aims to shorten product development cycles and rapidly determine if a proposed business model is viable. This is accomplished through the adoption of a combination of business-hypothesis-driven experimentation, iterative product releases, and validated learning. 

The lean startup methodology prioritizes customer feedback over intuition and adaptability over planning. This methodology permits recovery from failures more frequently than conventional product development methods.

Why do businesses need a product development process?

A product development process aids in testing the marketability and utility of a newly created product. Here are some benefits of having a clearly defined product development process:

  • Provide valuable features
  • Better quality
  • Greater development management
  • Validate your concept
  • Reduce expenses drastically

What is the product development process?

The framework for the new product development process includes bringing an original product concept to market. Although the process varies by industry, it can generally be divided into six stages: ideation, research, planning, product prototyping, sourcing, and pricing.

  1. Ideation

The initial phase of product development begins with the generation of new product concepts. This is the stage of product innovation, where you generate product ideas based on customer requirements, concept testing, and market research.

During ideation, it is important to consider the following factors:

  1. Target market to gauge for whom the product is built.
  2. Existing products in the market
  3. Functionality and uniqueness of your product
  4. SWOT analysis to build the best version
  5. SCAMPER (Substituting, Combining, Adapting, Modifying, Putting to another use, Eliminating, and Rearranging product concept) method to refine your idea.
  6. Research

Once the business case has been completed and the target market and product functionality have been discussed, it is time to define the product. It focuses on refining the product strategy and is also known as “scoping” or “concept development.”

During the research, it is important to consider the following specifics:

  1. Business analysis by mapping out distribution strategy, eCommerce strategy, and in-depth competitor analysis.
  2. The value proposition in terms of what problem will your product be solving.
  3. Success metrics by gauging KPIs and noting goals.
  4. Marketing strategies to note the channels that will boost your virtual presence.
  5. Product prototyping

During the prototyping phase, your team will conduct extensive research and document the product by developing a more comprehensive business plan and building the prototype. These early prototypes may be as simple as a sketch or as complex as a computer-rendered image of the initial design. Before creating a product, you can identify potential risk areas with the aid of these prototypes.

During product prototyping, it is important to note the following specifics:

  1. Feasibility analysis to evaluate your product.
  2. Market risk management to analyze any potential risks associated with the production.
  3. Development strategy by noting timelines with critical path method. 
  4. MVP to launch the product quickly than building all the desired features.
  5. Initial design

During the initial design phase, stakeholders collaborate to develop a product mockup based on the MVP prototype. The design should be created with the intended audience in mind and should complement the product’s primary functions.

A successful product design may require multiple iterations and communication with distributors in order to source the necessary materials.

During the initial design process, it is important to consider the following specifics:

  1. Source materials to design the initial mockup. 
  2. Connect with stakeholders to keep tight communication during the design phase to verify an initial design.
  3. Receive the initial feedback to gauge further optimizations.
  4. Pricing

To launch a new product, it must first be validated and tested. This ensures that all aspects of the product, from development to marketing, are functioning properly prior to its release to the public.

To ensure the quality of your product, carry out the steps below:

  1. Concept development and testing to work on optimizations.
  2. Front-end testing to test the front-end functionality for risks with development code.
  3. Test marketing to test the marketing plan for functionality errors.
  4. Commercialization

Now is the time to commercialize your idea by launching your product and implementing it on your website.

You have completed the design and quality testing of your development and marketing strategies. You should be confident in your final draft and prepared to produce the final product.

In this phase, you should focus on the steps below:

  1. Product development to create a final physical product with enhanced features and complete optimizations
  2. eCommerce development to launch your product and perform additional testing to ensure the product launched functions properly.

Wrapping Up

The proper product development process can help you streamline each step through the use of organized tasks and teamwork. The six stages outlined above will guide your team through all phases of the process, from the initial screening of ideas to the phase of development.

But you may require assistance along the way. Technosoft Engineering is a product development company to back you up. Our product designing and development services include, but are not limited to,

  • Product research
  • Product styling and ergonomics
  • Value engineering, CAD/CAE/FEA analysis
  • DFA and DMF
  • Product prototyping
  • Engineering Change Management
  • And much more.

So, book your call today, and get your product launched with minimal risks and a maximum success rate.

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Product Development Process

Basics Of Automotive Electrical System – Technosoft

January 27, 2023

A vehicle is ignited and started by an electrical system. The automotive electrical system is analogous to our body’s circulatory system, where the battery is the heart from which the electricity (blood) flows. Like blood, electrical current flows from the battery to the powered part and back through the car’s metal body.

The battery serves as the electrical system‘s backbone. It gives the car the electricity it needs to start and powers other parts, like the fuel and ignition systems, which are needed for the engine to work.

Hence, this blog is to elaborate on the automotive electrical system, its components, and its functioning.

Basics Of Automotive Electrical System - Technosoft

Main components of an automotive electrical system

There are three main components of an electrical system.

  1. Battery

Your vehicle’s entire electrical current is supplied by its battery until it is started. This includes the current to the ignition and fuel systems, which are responsible for producing the combustion necessary for your engine to operate.

  1. Starter

While the battery provides the power to start a vehicle, it is the starter that actually starts the engine. The battery supplies the starter motor with a small amount of power. The starter then rotates the flywheel, which rotates the crankshaft and initiates piston movement. Due to the complexity of this procedure, it is essential that the starter work.

  1. Alternator

The alternator keeps the battery charged and the electrical system operational while the engine is running. With a faulty alternator, your vehicle may start, but it will not be able to run for an extended period of time. If the alternator needs replacement, the electrical system of your vehicle will operate erratically, the battery will deplete, and the engine will eventually lose power.

How does the current flow within a vehicle?

Current flows out of the battery via its positive terminal and back in via its negative terminal, also known as its “earth terminal,” because it is connected to the car’s chassis and therefore cannot electrocute you. This configuration is known as an earth-return system.

Electricity flows along wires of various hues (and resistance) that are bundled and run the length of the vehicle. This is known as a writing loom.

It is extremely complex and has wires running off it at intervals to connect to power-requiring components.

Types of Batteries

Starting batteries: These batteries start your car. They deliver a short, powerful burst of energy to start the engine. They stay charged during regular use because the alternator recharges them when it starts charging the electrical system.

Deep-cycle batteries: These batteries provide less energy over time. While they can start a car, they are designed to run fridges, winches, and other electrical components that draw a smaller but regular current. Within these categories, lead-acid batteries differ in their materials.

Wet Cell  This is the most common type of car battery and may be maintenance-free or require periodic watering.

Absorbed Glass Mat: Like wet cell batteries, but with a glass mat between each lead plate. This electrolyte-soaked mat reduces battery slosh. It lasts longer than a wet-cell battery.

Gel Cell: As the name suggests, this battery uses a gel electrolyte. They’re smaller than wet-cell batteries.

The working principle in automotive electrical systems

Car electrical systems are easy to understand. All electrical devices in a car are powered by the battery through switches or relays. The engine immediately starts the battery-powered starter motor. The alternator charges the battery while the engine burns fuel. 

When the engine is off, this alternator’s voltage is lower than the battery’s. The battery, not the alternator, powers the vehicle’s loads. Diodes prevent current from entering alternators.

The alternator’s current output exceeds the battery voltage when the engine is running. The alternator charges the vehicle’s battery and electrical load. When the engine is running, an alternator’s output voltage is above the battery voltage.

Wrapping Up

The electrical system is a complex but essential component of your vehicle’s ability to start, run, charge, and perform small but essential tasks such as locking the doors. Moreover, despite the fact that the voltage in automotive systems is significantly lower than in, say, household applications, it is essential to seek the assistance of a professional when making a diagnosis or beginning repairs, as many components are extremely sensitive and can be easily damaged without the proper training and knowledge.

Want solutions for your automotive electric system? Want to power your vehicle design with cutting-edge engineering? Technosoft Engineering is here to provide multi-disciplinary services including styling and body design, electrical part design, engineering documentation, FEA, CFD, VA/VE, functional testing, and much more.

We’re ready to get started, are you?

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Automotive Electrical Systems

What is Tooling Design? – Technosoft Engineering

January 25, 2023

Tooling design is an essential part of the design process. It is a prototypical model of a tool that manufacturers use to create parts and tools. Tooling design plays a crucial role as it affects the quality of production in the end-user industry.

Global statistics suggest that the tooling and design (specifically cutting tools) market size is expected to get a worth of 239.90 million in 2023. Additionally, the global generative design market is set to touch USD 274 million by the end of 2023.

These statistics suggest that there is a huge scope for designs this year, which in turn, feeds the need to know the crux of the tooling design process. Hence, this blog will guide you on the same.

A Basic Guide to Tooling Design: Technosoft

What is Tooling Design?

Tooling design is an essential part of the manufacturing process. It refers to the plans and components used to build a product or part, from start to finish. This type of design covers everything from selecting raw materials and molding them into specific shapes, to machining parts for accuracy and assembly processes.

As tool designing enables manufacturers to produce products that are both efficient and cost-effective, tooling design is often regarded as the linchpin of any manufacturing operation.

Additionally, in tooling design, engineers create tools using a variety of processes such as CAD/CAM technology, CNC machining, mold making, die casting, welding fabrication, heat treating, and more. They also consider factors such as material selection and tolerance requirements in order to produce parts that meet customer specifications.

Why is Tool Design Important in Manufacturing?

  • Tool design is important in manufacturing as it helps manufacturers design and create parts faster, more efficiently, and accurately.
  • Tool design ensures that the right tool is used for the job, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
  • In addition, tooling design helps to optimize product design, ensuring minimal downtime. This way, manufacturers can reduce the cost of manufacturing by not having to use expensive custom parts.
  • Tooling design also helps to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for costly tool materials.
  • Tool design also helps to improve productivity and efficiency during the manufacturing process. Thus, it is vital for a company’s growth and success.

Importance of Tooling Design.

Tooling design is an important part of the manufacturing process and can have a significant effect on product quality, cost, and time to market. Let’s have a look at the importance of tooling design:

  • Tooling design must consider the material type and geometry of the part being manufactured. Different material types have different wear characteristics, and as such, tooling design must reflect this variation.
  • Tooling design must consider tolerances and other specifications of the part being manufactured. Doing so helps in ensuring that the part being produced is within prescribed limits.
  • Tooling design must consider potential wear, fatigue, and environmental conditions during production. Doing so ensures that parts are produced smoothly without any issues.

The Process of Tooling Design

The process of tooling design involves a multitude of steps from formulating a tooling design document to verifying tests and it include three major steps:-

Step 1: Understand the application and requirements of the tooling design. This involves analyzing the product geometries, conducting the proper functional and physical analysis, and determining the best manufacturing process for making the tooling part.

Step 2: After choosing the right tooling materials for the tooling design, you must design a tool that meets safety and performance standards.

Step 3: The last step is to create a prototype and test it before mass production begins.

Benefits of Using the Right Tooling Design

With an altogether intricate process, tooling design poses several benefits. Some of them are noted below.                                                     

  • Using the right tooling design can save time, money, and resources. It helps to reduce production costs and errors while also ensuring the accuracy of components.
  • As a result, high-quality tooling design ensures that products are of optimal quality and durability. This is beneficial as it increases customer satisfaction and overall brand recognition.
  • A properly designed tooling system reduces installation time and costs for manufacturing processes. It also makes for easier repairs and adjustments during the manufacturing process.
  • Moreover, it has better reliability and efficiency compared to hand-crafted designs. High-quality tooling design improves product life by minimizing potential wear and tear on parts.

Fundamentals of Tooling Design

There are essentially 4 fundamentals of tooling design of which are discussed below: 

#1 Tolerance and Precision

Tolerance and precision are key aspects to consider when designing a tool. The tighter the tolerance, the more precise the finished product will be. In addition, it is important to consider the type of material used in the tool as certain materials are better suited for certain tasks.

For example, a tool that requires a high degree of accuracy may require a tool made from a special type of metal or non-bendable material. Also, it is essential to understand how the material will interact with other components of the tool to ensure that it performs optimally.

#2 Production Volume and Durability

Designing tools involves a number of considerations, including production volume and durability. When designing a tool, it is crucial to take into account the production volume of the tool’s design. High-volume production necessitates tools that are robust and resilient enough to withstand increased wear and tear. Durability is also essential, as tools must withstand hundreds or thousands of cycles without failing.

More intricate designs are more likely to fail under pressure, so the complexity of the tooling design will affect its durability. As different materials have different strengths and weaknesses, the type of material used for the tooling is crucial for both production volume and durability.

#3 Cycle Times

Cycle times refer to the total amount of time required for a machine to complete one cycle of operation, including setup and teardown. Designers must consider cycle times when designing tools in order to optimize production.

Other factors, such as tool strength, durability, and ergonomics, must be taken into consideration. The design of tools can help reduce setup times, increase accuracy and repeatability, and improve quality control.

Properly designed tooling can reduce setup times, save money, and greatly improve production efficiency. It can also help manufacturers create high-quality products faster and with fewer resources.

#4 Tool Changing Time

Tool changing time is a major factor in tooling design. It is important to consider the speed of tool changing when designing a tooling system, as this can greatly affect the final product’s quality.

Additionally, the accuracy of the tool change should be considered, as it can affect the final product’s quality. Other considerations include how easily tools can be changed and serviced, and how much space is available for storing tools.

In designing a tooling system, consideration must be given to the size and shape of the tools being used as well as the materials they are made from. All of these factors must be taken into account to design a tooling system that allows for efficient and accurate tool changing while maintaining high-quality output.

Conclusion

Now you have finally understood the basics of tooling design and also that the design and development of manufacturing tools is a complex process that involves tooling engineers, designers, and manufacturers. While the design of tools may seem simple, it is vital to the performance of manufactured parts, which can be life-threatening if not done right. 

If you are looking for tool design services, we’ve got you covered. Avail the best tooling services from Technosoft, a recognized firm having decades of experience and expertise. We hold our experience in manufacturing rotation equipments, Valves, Volutes, Dryers, Washers, Boilers, Heat exchanges, and much more, to provide you with a better quality production at your end.

We’re ready to get started, are you?

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Tooling Design

What is Embedded System – 2023 Future Aspect.

December 31, 2022

Automation is the latest technology that reduces human intervention in the process by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relations, and related actions. To automate the processes; mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, and computer devices are used. 

If we look at global statistics, over 67% of companies use automation solutions to improve visibility and productivity. These intricate systems have embedded systems that are based on microcontrollers (i.e., microprocessors with integrated memory and peripheral interfaces), that are dedicated to specific tasks. These systems can be optimized to increase their reliability and performance.

The merger of technologies (i.e., automation+embedded systems) is opening doors that assist in tasks by improving quality, accuracy, precision, cost reduction, and savings. 

This blog is a detailed overview of how important embedded systems are in an automation process.

The Importance Of Embedded System In Automation

What are embedded systems?

An embedded system is a computer system (composed of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices) that serves a specific purpose within a larger mechanical or electronic system. 

It is an integral component of a complete device, which typically includes electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical components. Because an embedded system typically controls the physical operations of the machine in which it is embedded, it is frequently constrained by real-time computing requirements.

How does an embedded system work?

Embedded systems’ design resembles miniaturized circuit boards with a processor, power supply, memory, and communication ports for communicating with other components of a larger system. It is possible for the processor to be a microprocessor or microcontroller.

Systems on Chips (SoCs), which include multiple processors and interfaces on a single chip, are one of the most prevalent trends in embedded system technology. They are frequently employed in high-volume embedded systems. 

In the industrial IoT (IIoT) ecosystem, SoC has facilitated the development of new design methodologies, products, and solutions. Real-time operating environments are frequently suitable for SoC-embedded technology that is typically fast enough and tolerant of slight variations in response time.

Which are the most recent embedded system architectures?

The most commonly used embedded system design architectures are-

  1. Simple control loop

It is software that consists of a simple monitoring loop for input devices. The loop invokes subroutines, each of which manages a distinct hardware or software component. It is therefore referred to as a simple control loop or programmed input-output.

  1. Cooperative multitasking

In this, the loop is hidden in an API. The programmer defines a series of tasks, and each task receives its own “run” environment. When a task is inactive, it invokes an idle routine, which is typically referred to as “pause,”  “wait,”  “yield,”  “nop” (which stands for no operation), etc.

  1. Interrupt-controlled system

These embedded systems are primarily governed by interrupts. This means that system tasks are triggered by various types of events; for instance, a timer at a predefined interval or a serial port controller receiving data could generate an interrupt.

  1. Preemptive multitasking or multi-threading

In this type of system, a low-level piece of code uses a timer to switch between tasks or threads (connected to an interrupt). This is the level at which an “operating system” kernel is generally considered to exist. Depending on the required functionality, it introduces more or less the complexities of conceptually managing multiple tasks running in parallel.

  1. Microkernels and exokernels

A microkernel is logically superior to a real-time operating system. Typically, the kernel of the operating system allocates memory and switches the CPU between threads of execution. User-mode processes implement fundamental functions such as file systems, network interfaces, and so on.

Which industries use embedded systems for automation?

  1. Food production: 

Each step of the food production process requires the company to monitor product quality, adhere to sanitary regulations, legal, and industry standards, and minimize food waste. Automation and robotics in the industry can assist with these tasks. 

For instance, there are artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems that can distinguish between fresh and rotten fruits, and machine learning (ML) solutions can assist with preventive and predictive equipment maintenance.

  1. Municipal infrastructure: 

Intelligent parking is an illustration of embedded electronics. Powered by sensors, computer vision, and data analysis capabilities, they are quite effective for municipal parking lot management and revenue generation.

  1. Agriculture:

Water, organic fertilizers, and manual labor are agriculture’s primary drivers. Nonetheless, this procedure can be improved by employing agricultural robots, which are embedded Internet of Things (IoT) systems. They can be used for fertilizing the soil and pulling weeds.

  1. Manufacturing enterprises:

Embedded systems’ design is central to the development of smart cars. Audi is an example of a car manufacturer that uses embedded systems to track quality and compliance for each component of the assembly line.

  1. Object trading service:

Large stores and shopping malls can also use an embedded system for controlling and optimizing electricity and heating consumption.

  1. Pharmaceutical products and medical equipment:

Medical devices are examples of embedded software, but pharmaceutical companies may also use embedded software as part of an industrial control system in the process of medicine production and quality assurance.

What is the future of embedded systems in industrial automation?

Industry 4.0 is bringing us from the first to the fourth generation of the industrial revolution, powered by IoT, data analytics, and AI. Embedded systems only produce raw data. Integrating industry 4.0 technologies creates valuable insights for a robust digital infrastructure, and expands automation and innovation. 

Embedded modules are becoming more sophisticated, allowing machines to predict or prescribe solutions that could supplement human decision-making or perform tasks faster than humans. They’re making machines smarter, safer, and more effective, controlling industrial automation. Embedded systems are expected to expand IoT applications like wearables, sensors, drones, video surveillance, 3D printers, and smart transportation.

Need solutions for your automation?

Technosoft Engineering is a one-stop solution for you. We merge technologies like IoT, embedded systems, and hardware systems to deliver a fully-automated system that assists in multiple tasks. We design custom PCBs, hardware components, firmware, electronics, etc., and connect them to networks across the globe to generate expected results.

Besides that, we develop mobility and analytics solutions that unlock backend value and give value-driven output.

So, wait no further and get the best embedded system design solutions with complete automation at Technosoft Engineering.

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Embedded Systems

The Role Of IoT in Industrial Automation

December 28, 2022

Internet of Things in industrial automation is a game changer that will reap new benefits. It not only creates scope for innovation, but also helps solve problems at the micro level, enhance operations, and increase productivity. The main aim of industrial automation is to reduce the necessity of people in the manufacturing process and eliminate errors.

IoT in industrial automation can be achieved by mapping industrial processes, understanding micro and macro process, and their relations with machines to automate the process. This entire process involves the interconnection of sensors, instruments, and other devices over a common network to accomplish a task. 

Let’s quickly drive through detailed explanations, advantages, and the role of IoT in industrial automation engineering.

IoT in Industrial Automation

What Does IoT Do For Industrial Automation?

IIoT refers to sensors, instruments, and other devices networked with industrial computer applications, such as manufacturing and energy management. This connectivity enables data collection, exchange, and analysis, which may improve productivity and efficiency and have other economic benefits. The IIoT is a Distributed Control System (DCS) evolution that uses cloud computing to refine and optimize process controls.

This is enabled by integrating multiple technologies like cybersecurity, cloud computing, machine-to-machine, 3D printing, advanced robotics, big data, cognitive computing, etc.

Practical Advantages of IoT in Industrial Automation

  1. Scalability

Scalability in production is attained by increasing output, two goals that the digital industrial transformation facilitates and accelerates. Humans are sometimes the weakest link in production processes, which is unfortunate for the workforce. However, by removing humans from a process and delegating production to robots, businesses are able to increase their throughput.

  1. System uptime enhancement

Like production, uptime is limited by humans. People need rest, food, a safe workplace, and ethics. Machines don’t need breaks or food. Because of automation, many factory floors are safe.

  1. Operational efficiency

Operational automation means interconnecting and integrating systems to share information and improve operations exponentially. Computer logic lets systems respond to other needs. This basic application is everywhere now, from turning off lights to alerting global suppliers that a factory will soon run out of raw materials and need resupply.

  1. High-security access and control

IoT introduces many attack vectors to automation systems, but it also offers a solution. Automation can be used to defend against cyberattacks. It helps defenders make their entire network visible, adhere to a policy-based approach to system configuration, management, and security, and automate many low-level maintenance tasks while alerting IT teams of more serious breaches or attack patterns.

Role of IoT in Industrial Automation

  1. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT concepts and technology are being explored and implemented in industrial automation. IoT helps create effective, affordable, and responsive system architectures. The goal is to create frictionless communications and interaction from manufacturing field input/output, including analyzers, actuators, and robotics, to increase flexibility and manufacturing. Industrial automation has used IoT in major applications, such as PLCs replacing banks of relays.

  1. Internet of Things Products and Devices

Internet-connected IoT devices and systems can collect and exchange data. These products have many forms and use. Some of the examples include:

  • Smart thermostats, security cameras, and light bulbs can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.
  • Smartwatches and fitness trackers track a user’s activity and health metrics.
  • Connected cars can communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure using sensors and other technologies.
  • Industrial IoT systems can monitor and control factory and warehouse equipment.

IoT products make our lives more convenient and efficient by allowing us to easily collect and access physical data.

  1. Internet of Things Gateway Devices

IoT gateways connect a network of connected devices to the internet. These devices are used in industrial IoT systems with hundreds or thousands of devices to connect and manage work.

IoT gateways are equipped with hardware and software to perform various tasks. IoT gateway devices have user-friendly interfaces that make configuration and management easy. This can include web-based interfaces, mobile apps, and other tools that make it easy for users to set up and maintain their IoT systems

  1. Industrial IoT Development Kits

Industrial IoT (IIoT) development kits include hardware and software to help developers create applications and solutions. These kits include sensors, actuators, and other physical components for building and testing IIoT systems, as well as software libraries and other tools for developing and deploying IIoT applications.

IIoT development kits can be customized to meet the needs of a specific industry or application. A manufacturing company’s IIoT development kit may include sensors and other components used in manufacturing, while a transportation company’s kit may include GPS and other location-tracking technologies.

A Quick Recap on Industrial Automation Engineering

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a network of interconnected, data-collecting and -exchanging devices. By allowing machines to communicate with one another and with central systems, IoT-enabled devices can be used to increase efficiency and productivity in the context of industrial automation. 

In industry, for instance, an IoT system could be used to monitor the performance of individual machines and determine when maintenance is required, as well as to automatically adjust production processes based on real-time data. This can help to decrease downtime and increase operational efficiency overall.

Final Thoughts

Want to leverage the best technology for IoT industrial automation? Technosoft Engineering IoT Services will take your Industrial Automation processes to the next level of connectivity and intelligence.

Get in touch with us today for our industrial automation engineering.

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Industrial Automation

What Is Product Design

December 26, 2022

Product design is a set of strategic and tactical activities that cultivates ideas for product commercialization. It combines art, science, and technology to create new products. Product designers conceptualize and evaluate ideas in a systematic manner, transforming them into tangible inventions and products.

The forecasted market of product design and development is expected to be USD 8.21 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 5.30%. This suggests that the integration of growing technology with product design will boom in the upcoming years. This is also because developing distinctive products significantly to sales revenue.

The objective of product design is to create a product or service with superior functional utility and sales appeal at a reasonable price and in a reasonable amount of time. To understand its importance more precisely, keep reading.

Product Design

What Is Product Design?

Product design is defined as the process of imagining, creating, and iterating products that solve users’ problems or address specific market needs.

Understanding the end-user, or the individual for whom the product is being created, is essential for successful product design. Product designers use empathy and knowledge of their prospective customers’ habits, behaviors, frustrations, needs, and wants to solve real problems for real people.

Example Of Product Design 

When it comes to product design development, designers have numerous options for tools. Before going into production, they can use the conventional method of sketching out concepts on paper and then creating models. Frequently, contemporary designers create 3-D computer models using specialized software that simulates the final appearance of the object.

The best example of product design is Belt Testing Gang Dynamometer Machine, a special-purpose machine made by Technosoft Engineering. The scope of this project was to design a Gand Dynamometer for accelerated failure testing of one-size drive belts. This machine will be able to test 4–8 belts at a time. 

The dynamometer integrated mechanical and electrical designs to monitor, record, and notify the belt failure or in case of exceeding a defined percentage of slippage.

What Is The Product Design Process?

There are three basic steps involved in the product design development process.

  1. Analysis
  1. Acceptance: Here, the designers commit to the project and find a solution to the issue. They combine their resources to determine the most effective solution to the problem.
  2. Analysis: In this phase, everyone on the team conducts research. They collect general and specific information that will aid in determining how to solve their problem. This can include, among other things, statistics, questionnaires, and articles.
  1. Concept: This section defines the central issue of the matter. The problem’s conditions become objectives, and the situation’s constraints become the parameters within which the new design must be developed.
  1. Synthesis
  1. Ideate: Here, the designers generate various ideas and solutions for their design problem. The ideal brainstorming session is devoid of bias and judgment, instead focusing on developing original concepts.
  2. Select: At this point, the designers have narrowed their ideas down to a select few that are guaranteed to be successful, and they can now outline their plan for creating the product.
  3. Implement: At this stage, prototypes are constructed, the plan outlined in the previous step is realized, and the product begins to take on a physical form.
  4. Evaluate: In the final phase, the product is evaluated and improvements are made based on the results. Even though this is the final step, the process is not complete. The finished prototype may not function as expected, so it is necessary to generate new ideas.

Why Is The Product Design Important?

Product design is not limited to the product’s aesthetics; it also defines how the product functions.

  1. If your product design is superior to that of the competitor, it will be chosen over the competition on the market.
  2. Product design is essential because it provides the consumer with an original and imaginative experience. As a result, the design of the product can attract new customers and foster brand loyalty. The design of a product can go a long way toward creating a memorable experience, which in turn fosters brand loyalty.
  3. Design is crucial in heavy machinery and services because it can be the difference between efficiency and chaos.
  4. Product design is a crucial component of the product development procedure. It ensures that the final product is customer-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and profitable to produce.
  5. Design can take many forms, and the greater the acceptability of the product’s design over time, the stronger the organization’s brand will be.
  6. Packaging plays a significant role in product design because it is the final point of influence and, therefore, the company’s final sales point. Good packaging integrated into the design of a product can make a substantial difference.

Get GenX Product Design Development Solutions Here

As mentioned above, product design is the USP of a business, and it needs to be uniquely perfect. So to meet that need, Technosoft Engineering gets you the best solutions. Our process starts from idea generation to execution. We aim to reduce the cycle time and increase the scope and functionality of the product.

Our product design services include market research, product styling, DFA, DMF, reverse engineering, prototyping, material selection, engineering change management, and product costing. You get a solution bundle in one place.So, wait no further and get feature-rich unique product design solutions.

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Outsourcing Engineering Services, Product Design & Development

8 Benefits Of Outsourcing Engineering Services

December 23, 2022

Engineering organizations are considering outsourcing as the mainstream for top-quality services and long-term strategies. This implies that outsourcing engineering services are becoming an integral part of the organization’s product development process. 

The global product engineering services market size is expected to reach 2041.4 billion by 2028, with stable growth of 8.5% CAGR each year. Interpreting, outsourcing is more popular than ever as businesses get ample advantages from streamlining business processes to reducing capital and overhead costs.

This article shall elaborate on why outsourcing engineering services are a must to consider.

Before analyzing what to outsource, companies must understand product development outsourcing. Cost savings, labor arbitrage, and innovation-led SLAs are all reasons for outsourcing. 

It’s important to understand what constitutes a benefit and what directly and indirectly influences the cost of outsourcing engineering services to ensure that benefits outweigh costs.

Outsourcing Engineering Services

 

 

Before analyzing what to outsource, companies must understand product development outsourcing. Cost savings, labor arbitrage, and innovation-led SLAs are all reasons for outsourcing. 

It’s important to understand what constitutes a benefit and what directly and indirectly influences the cost of outsourcing engineering services to ensure that benefits outweigh costs.

outsourcing is the best option

If Value = Benefit – Cost, is positive, outsourcing is the best option. 

Benefits Of Outsourcing Engineering Services

In 2021, the global engineering services outsourcing market was worth USD 1.3 trillion. From 2022 to 2030, its CAGR is expected to be 24.6%. Engineering Service Providers (ESP) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) alliances are expected to grow as Engineering Services Outsourcing (ESO) becomes more popular. This popularity is due to the reasons mentioned below.

  1. Reduction in overhead costs

According to research, outsourcing engineering services can help engineering companies reduce labor costs by 20%–30% while simultaneously reducing revenue spent on other engineering-related services. The revenue saved through outsourcing can be invested in product development, marketing, or other crucial business operations.

  1. Access to sophisticated engineering services

Customers today demand complex engineering services that may exceed the capabilities of a company with limited in-house executives. However, this issue is easily solvable through engineering outsourcing. Through outsourcing, engineering companies are able to meet the needs of their clients, whether they require advanced 3D animation or intricate geometry.

  1. Greater focus on core business

When IT isn’t a core business, opting for an engineering service provider is the best choice. This saves time and distractions spared on resources to set up IT, maintenance, and its upgradation. 

Additionally, when engineering services are outsourced, a business is able to devote more hours to marketing initiatives. You will be able to devote your time to enhancing your designs and developing more efficient methods. In turn, this will assist you in promoting and marketing your business in new markets.

  1. Quicker turnaround time

Outsourced engineering services providers work around the clock to measure and accomplish the project, and hence, the turnaround time is faster. They are able to meet the demand for a quick turnaround time more effectively than an in-house team. 

In addition, due to the caliber of the provider’s personnel and technology, things are not “rushed through” in a manner that compromises the final product.

  1. Access to the latest technology

Reputable outsourced engineering services providers typically subscribe to the most recent frameworks and development tools and have access to specialized technologies that they employ on all of their projects. Therefore, you can claim to use cutting-edge technology for your projects without the nightmare expenses and hassles of actually implementing it.

Additionally, you get trained professionals with technological expertise. This will help you leverage high-end technology and software without having to make additional investments.

  1. Increased customer satisfaction

Customers always have high expectations for precision and speed. However, outsourcing allows you to easily meet both of these requirements. A customer who is satisfied is more likely to request your services in the future. The best way to maintain a consistent level of customer satisfaction is to select a service provider who is both experienced and focused.

  1. Using as-per-need services

The need for engineering services is not constant. In that case, even when there is a lull in the engineering industry, companies must pay full-time wages to their employees. It is not comparable to outsourcing. Outsourcing engineering services provides greater flexibility because engineering firms will only pay for the services they require when they require them.

  1. Improves risk management

Working with experts not only reduces the number of bugs but also reduces the risk of product failure by ensuring expert assistance is available during times of crisis. Moreover, if you are launching a new product or offering a new service, an offshore team can be quickly adjusted to meet soaring demand, as compared to a team from a developed nation.

Engineering Services At Technosoft

Outsourcing engineering services has added advantages, including a reduction in overhead costs, access to sophisticated engineering services, a quick turnaround time, a greater focus on core business, improved risk management, and much more. 

Technosoft is the leading engineering services provider, with a team of over 400 engineers and designers. Technosoft is able to provide multidisciplinary engineering services in its five business lines—engineering, consulting, innovation, resources, and content—due to the flexibility and breadth of its resources.

So wait no further and book your consultation call today!

 

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Author technosoftwpadminPosted on Categories Outsourcing Engineering Services

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