Idea! Feedback needed from manufacturing people!

**yogiontour** · 06-08-2007 06:19 PM

Hello! Im sort a newbie to this forum but could appreciate some help from people in the manufacturing business!

For the past three years I have been working for a car manufacturer as a technical author, writing operational instructions for people who work on our shop floor. These guides tell people how to inspect and assemble parts from the moulding stage to the assembly stage. I managed to develop a format that is highly informative and has been described as 'World class' from many of our customers. These guides also incorporate maintenance and health and safety procedures, so they are really useful!

Now, having done this for a while, I wondered...Would there be a market for this kind of thing in the general manufacturing industry? I have been mulling the idea of going freelance and doing these manuals for general manufacturers for a long time.... But it scares me...Because it’s hard to know if other manufacturing companies would pay for such a service like this.

The start up costs would be very small (I have all of the technical gear and software already) and my only real outgoings would be advertising and running costs for my car.

I could really do with hearing from someone else that works inside the manufacturing industry with ideas on pricing schemes and costs.

Thanks allot!!!

**akula** · 06-09-2007 03:12 AM

welcome

sure...you might have an opportunity

the number of novel technology products on the market is growing exotically and this technology is getting more complicated because manufacturers are including more features for competitive reasons

I don't think there isn't an opportunity for the commercialization of a user manual standard modeled on the success of "For Dummies" publications

In other words, I don't totally hate the idea of a differentiated, branded, standardized publication for technical information

now...having formed this hypothesis, there are procedures available for exploring, qualifying, commercializing and monetising this opportunity

have you ever tried to launch new products?

**yogiontour** · 06-09-2007 04:48 AM

The "for dummies" publications are a mainstream widespread publication.... They make millions of pounds...What Im looking for is a business opportunity to make enough money for me, and maybe take on one or two other technical authors as the business grows...What Im saying is, this is not a hugely scaleable business.... However this could be a good earner for me, to do a job I love. It is however a VERY niche market, but one I know will pay good money.

Manufacturers nowadays focus on reducing scrap and increasing OEE...To do this they need to employ some kind of lean manufacturing techniques (The Toyota Production system is one).
Part of any lean system is the need to standardise...This is what I do. I can look at a process, break it down into a flowchart and produce a detailed manual to inform operators what to look for in terms of 'care points' and how to assemble any part from an air cleaner to an engine in the QUICKEST way possible.

**akula** · 06-09-2007 05:29 AM

Sure..that's very interesting...what you're saying takes me back to my TQM training days

It was alot of fun...I liked doing the flowcharts

So, do you have any specific questions, how may I be of service?

**yogiontour** · 06-09-2007 05:37 AM

Yes...thanks for your interest!!!

What would be a good way to get started with this?

Should I offer my services on an hourly rate or a project charge?

Where would be a good place to get advertising?

Thanks mate!!