PAOLO, WHAT ARE THE KEY THINGS YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN STARTING A NEW LIGHTING PROJECT?
The customer. The customer. The customer.
Different industries have unique requirements, and it's crucial to understand them to provide the right lighting solution. For instance, the lighting needs of an airport are miles apart from those of a sports stadium. It's important to work closely with the client to identify their specific needs and avoid providing a one-size-fits-all solution that may cause problems down the line.
Understanding the client's business constraints is crucial in delivering a successful lighting solution. If the budget is tight, it's important to find a way around it while still providing a solution that offers payback and reliability. For instance, we had a client with a limited budget, but a big problem. After factoring in payback and reliability compared to other traditional solutions, it was a no-brainer and they got approval for the project as planned.
After understanding the client's specific needs and business constraints, the next crucial step is to create a draft project specification that incorporates input from all relevant areas of the business. It's essential to obtain sign-off from all stakeholders to ensure a successful and unified project outcome.
WHAT TECHNICAL QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE KEY?
In addition, it is crucial to consider the durability of the materials used, especially in harsh environments where corrosion can wreak havoc, such as ports.
Infrastructure costs are highly important too. For example, if it’s a retrofit job, you can keep costs down by designing a solution compact and light enough to go on existing masts.
It's essential to design a solution that is not only efficient and effective but also scalable and future-proof. By doing so, your client will be impressed with your foresight and reliability, and they will undoubtedly choose you as their preferred supplier for years to come.
WHAT TOOLS AND SOFTWARE DO YOU USE WHEN DESIGNING A NEW LUMINAIRE?
At Midstream, we believe that experience is key. Our team boasts a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making our brains our most valuable tool when it comes to designing new luminaires. As they say, two heads are better than one and with our team, we have more brains than anyone else out there.
WHO ARE YOUR KEY PLAYERS WHEN IT COMES TO DELIVERING A PROJECT?
At Midstream, we have a dedicated team of Product Developers who are committed to creating innovative solutions and improving existing products to meet diverse challenges.
Our designers work closely with them to bring these solutions to life, ensuring that they provide the correct lighting distribution and meet all project requirements.
Project managers play an essential role in keeping the project on track, ensuring it is delivered within budget, on time, and to specification.
Finally, our experienced production team delivers the finished product, providing valuable feedback on the overall solution and suggesting more efficient ways to manufacture the luminaires.
HOW AND WHEN SHOULD TESTING BE DONE?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MIDSTREAM TO DEVELOP AND LAUNCH A NEW PRODUCT?
The timeline for developing and launching a new luminaire can vary greatly depending on the product and team involved. At Midstream, our talented team allows for six months to create a completely new line and two months to repurpose an existing solution. Our experienced staff and innovative approach enable us to work efficiently and effectively, delivering quality solutions in a timely manner. In comparison, other providers may take significantly longer to complete the same task.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WHEN DESIGNING NEW LUMINAIRES?