We think the words "Case Study" are far scarier than they need to be. "Case" implying big, "Study" implying effort....in the world of Manufacturing Network this couldn't be further from the truth. So let's get back to the aim of a case study;
A Case Study should provide buyers and engineers with the confidence that you can do the job they require. In other words, you offer the processes they require, but what's your experience of using those capabilities?
Enter the Case Study...
So in reality, case studies are a great place to show off your past work, but it doesn't need to be chapter and verse!
3 Minutes Flat, Really?
Yes - Really!
Some people can just write. They seem to fill the space with endless information that just flows. This can be good, but can also mean a lack of structure, which leads to poor understanding by the customer.
So here's an idea for a structure. You don't have to use these as headings, but this is typically what the customer would want to understand. You don't need to answer every question - just one from each section will do, or however many are applicable.
1. What happened / what did you do?
Did you overcome a problem that the customer presented you?
Did you complete a project using a range of your capabilities, which ones?
Was it the production of a particular product to a quality standard?
Did you contribute to a larger customer project?
For example:
Example Co. was approached by Customer Y to overcome a long standing problem they had been experiencing with the production of / design of widget x. Widget x is part of the well known and prestigious super widget, so we were excited at the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities.
2. How did you do it?
Did you use specialist machinery and skills?
Did you do it quicker / at lower cost / to a higher quality standard?
Did you innovate or demonstrate ingenuity when overcoming the problem?
What blend of capabilities did you use in completing the project?
For example:
Using our rapid prototyping capabilities we quickly proposed some solutions the the customer in terms of geometry and fit. Once concepts had been eliminated we used our Manufacturing Engineering capability to demonstrate we could produce widget x at the required volumes and quality. Widget x required many of our production capabilities including air set sand casting, heat treatment and machining.
3. What was the outcome?
How quick / low cost / high quality was it? (provide figures e.g. percentage pass rate, percentage cost reduction etc.)
How happy was the customer, did they award further business?
How did the customer benefit from working with you?
For example:
The project was turned around in less than 16 weeks, 2 weeks ahead of schedule. This was largely down to the compressed design phase using our rapid prototyping capability, and our ability to quickly understand the customer brief.
The product is now in production with a defect rate far less than the previous design / the design has increased in performance characteristic z.
And that's it...
3 minutes flat, and it's done. Remember, you don't have to drone on, you just need to start the conversation. Provide enough information that the buyer or engineer is interested.
It may take a couple of attempts to get it right, but you can always go back and edit, remove or add case studies as you wish.
Case Study Image & Video
Don't forget to upload an image that helps explain or brings some context to your case study. Ideal size for the case study image is 825 pixels wide by 500 pixels tall. As with your profile background image it's easy to create case study images using a free online tool called Canva.
Case studies only allow 1 image upload. Using Canva multiple images can be displayed in the 825px x 500px frame, making it even more useful.
Video
Video can be really useful to explain your case study, so we offer the facility to embed and optimise your video within your case study. Simply contact us at support@manufacturingnetwork.com provide us with a link to the video you want us to embed, and tell us which case study you'd like it in.
Final Tip
It's often easiest to create a case study when information is fresh in your mind. So do it straight after a project is completed, or coming up to completion. You may even be able to pull information from you post-contract review that you can use directly in the case study.
Ready to write? Go to your Manufacturing Network profile now