How we develop new van racking solutions
How does a new System Edström product actually take shape? We talked to Daniel Borgudd, Product Manager, who tells us about the creative but also challenging work behind the scenes.
It all starts with a sketch. When it comes to the new products from this year’s launch, it’s the new internal ladder holder that has kept Daniel (below) busiest over the past year. “Although we run individual projects, we are never alone. We need to be able to constantly question and give feedback to each other in the team,” he says.
Daniel joined System Edström in 2012, before which he worked as a naprapathy (similar to a chiropractor). After training in Mechanical Engineering and CAD design, his career took a new direction. “I did my master’s thesis here and that project is still something I think back to sometimes,” he says.
From 3D printing to strength calculations
After the first sketches are produced, 3D prints are created to test and evaluate the ideas in practice. “It’s one thing to see a product digitally, but quite another to hold it in your hand. We want to be sure that everything works before we move on to larger orders,” explains Daniel.
The next step in the process is strength calculations – analyses that show how the product behaves under high loads.
Safety: our top priority
New products undergo rigorous testing, including crash tests, which are currently carried out at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) according to the safety standards INRS NS 286 and ECE R17. Previously, we also collaborated with RISE.
“We never compromise on safety,” says Daniel. “Our crash tests, and also the tensile tests we carry out, ensure that the products can withstand the stresses of reality. But just as important is that our assembly instructions are followed correctly.”
Low weight for sustainability and cost efficiency
Keeping the weight of our products down is not just about price, but also environmental impact. Lighter van interiors reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, carbon dioxide emissions.
“Weight has a direct impact on both costs and the environment. The lighter our products are, the lower our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will be,” says Daniel.
Continuous improvement and listening to users
Before concepts are approved, they are judged on their function, appearance, weight and cost. When a concept is finally approved, a new phase begins and co-operation with our suppliers intensifies. Prototypes are developed and testing begins.
But the work doesn’t end there. We get a lot of feedback from our customers and end users, which helps us to make small adjustments or even scrap an idea and start again.
Product development is an ongoing process, says Daniel: “Often it’s something as simple as adding a hole to make assembly easier, or customising mounting angles for a particular country’s needs. It’s challenging, sometimes frustrating, but above all incredibly fun!”
The product development process at a glance:
• Suggestions for a new product. These can come from colleagues, customers or others.
• Market research.
• Concept development, which can be in 2D and 3D, printed in plastic by us or made in steel from supplier.
• Testing – depending on the product, this can be FEM analysis, tensile test or crash test or a combination of all.
• Improvement if necessary.
• Roll-out.
