Paperless-Getting the Information Off the Page

The COM DEV Switch Product group manufactures switches which route signals to
the appropriate piece of equipment on a satellite. The production environment is
low volume, high mix, design to order; manufactured in a clean room environment.
Qualification and traceability requirements for space applications require strict control
of documentation, material and process data. Performance is often pushed to the limits
in order to meet stringent customer requirements often causing rework and redesign
during production. This presentation will review the initial problem which initiated the
design of the paperless system, and more importantly the features and benefits that
have seen close to $300,000 in annual cost savings.

COM DEV, based in Cambridge, Ontario is the largest Canadian-based designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom, COM DEV manufactures products that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and military satellites.

Carl is a results oriented, hands on manufacturing expert with 20 years experience including R&D, Design, Quality and Manufacturing Engineering and Program Management for high technology, design to order products. He has been focused on assimilating multi-disciplinary business objectives into streamlined flows using world class manufacturing techniques such as DFT, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, and Lean.

Carl has worked at COM DEV International for 13 years. COM DEV in the role of Quality Engineer, PA Program Manager, Production Supervisor and Manufacturing engineer. Carl has 7 years mechanical design and quality experience at Elcan Optical Technologies, world famous manufacturers of Leica photography equipment and customized optical systems. Additionally Carl has taught courses for Conestoga and Georgian Colleges.