Manufacturing

The manufacturing ethos is small scale and bespoke services typically offering in the region of a dozen to fifty of most of the projects we undertake.

Some we are able to manufacture more of in parallel, a few a lot less. So we actively work with UK MoD to determine on those programmes as the technology readiness level is matured the most credible way forward. This may be to sub-license manufacturing to a mutually agreeable third party or prime or it may be the transfer and sale of the IP to third party.

Clearly we work with the customer procurement teams (DE&S) to ensure the best interests of National Security and UK MoD are upheld. If DEFCON 703 work is transferred without discussion we will offer support and assistance on sensible commercial terms to ensure the innovation is taken forward and that maximum leverage can be achieved from the IP for the benefit of UK MoD.

Manufacturing processes are defined in our Quality Management System and range from aviation/military standards for cable assembly manufacture right through to complex special surveillance complete systems such as our manpack ESM system. Each part, sub-assembly and assembly has a part number, revision number, item history, certificate of conformity and has the traceability through our ESD protected stores, assembly, integration, testing and shipping teams. Similarly any data and software loads are likewise very carefully configuration managed and traced to ensure both quality and repeatability.

Our Support and ILS teams are appropriately involved in the manufacturing phases to ensure that they are well versed in the construction of every product (cognisant of approvals and need to know). They are able to have direct input into averting in-service problems and are able to change the manufacturing processes to mitigate 'seen' problems to drive up quality and reliability.

We take quality very seriously and as such we have a roling audit programme. A selection of our most recent audits have been:-

PAT Electrical Safety Testing	Jun-2010
RF Safety Audit [LAB]	Jan-2011
Commercial Audit [MoD CDs]	Jan-2011
Network & Data Security Audit	Feb-2011
Full Site Documentation Security Audit	Mar-2011
Asset Audit and Verification	May-2011
ESD Calibration & Workbench Testing	Jul-2011
Stores DB upgrade and Audit	Aug-2011
COSHH Audit	Sep-2011
Electrical Safety & Earth Loop Testing	Nov-2011
ISO 9001:2008 Full QMS Audit	Dec-2011
Article 296 and WEEE 2002/96/EC Audit	Dec-2011