Step One: Initial Customer Contact
This step involves the initial phone call or email to our sales staff, during which customer's needs, project scope, and viability are discussed along with budget considerations and timelines.

Step Two: Price Quote
In this step, the sales person reviews the proposed project with our design engineers. The engineer guides the proposal with possible mechanical systems and performance concerns. If motorized control or unique electronic systems are involved, electrical engineers are consulted. Finally, the sales person presents the price quote to the customer.

Step Three: Purchase Order is Cut
The customer reviews the price quote and forwards a hard-copy purchase order to Display Devices. At this point, work on the custom project begins.

Step Four: Initial Design Efforts
After the purchase order is processed, a production packet is sent to the engineering department. This packet includes design notes, requirements, and dimensional details identified by the sales person. Once the packet arrives at the front of the engineering queue, the sales person meets with the engineer to discuss the project details.

Step Five: Concept Drawings
The engineer begins his or her efforts with our 3-D computer-based design system. The process is from an "inside-out" perspective. The engineer will model any procured components (i.e. projector or display panel and cable pathways, cooling, etc.). All other involved components will be added until a concept drawing is produced. This drawing will provide outside dimensions with primary detail callouts. Once complete, the drawing is then presented to the customer for review and approval. Reasonable changes to the concept drawing can be made at this time.

Step Six: Production Drawings
Once the customer approves the concept drawing, the engineer will begin work on production drawings. Production drawings are much more detailed than concept drawings and include all parts -- right down to bolts, nuts, and washers. They also include manufacturing directions including bend radiuses, weldment detail, raw material callouts, and a complete bill of materials. The time needed to complete this step depends on the complexity of the project.

Step Seven: Production Begins
The production manager reviews every component drawing to determine the manufacturing timeline. Some parts may be cut, bent, and welded before they are ready for painting. The goal is to have all the manufactured and purchased parts arrive in the assembly department at the same time. Once all parts are finished, final assembly begins.

Step Eight: Assembly and Testing
The design engineer guides the assembly and testing process. Because each subsystem was previously assembled during the production drawing design phase, we know there will be a good fit during actual assembly. If electronic components or control circuits need to be integrated, an electronics technician will assist. Testing varies between different projects. If the project calls for motorized positioning, weight loads will be added and the system will be cycled for several hours to confirm proper operation before shipment.