Every product ages — sometimes technically, sometimes practically. What was once a solid design can, over time, become an obstacle to efficient production, cost control, or maintenance. Yet many companies wait too long before revisiting their designs. At Vormelijk Engineering, we’ve seen how timely optimization can deliver major benefits — without needing a full redesign.
1) Sign 1: production issues keep recurring
When a product begins to show frequent small deviations or becomes harder to assemble, the cause is rarely in production itself. Often it’s hidden in the design — tight tolerances, awkward fits, or outdated components. A fresh look at the model can immediately save time and reduce scrap.
2) Sign 2: suppliers call it “difficult”
If suppliers often need to improvise, modify, or deviate from the drawing, it’s a clear sign the design doesn’t fully match reality. A design that aligns with their processes shortens lead times and increases reliability.
3) Sign 3: parts are no longer available
Changes in the market — new materials, standards, or suppliers — can make an existing design vulnerable. Reviewing it in time prevents dependency on obsolete components and allows for modern, readily available alternatives.
4) Sign 4: the product has become more expensive
A design that remains unchanged for years can slowly drift out of sync with current production costs. A revised design can be simpler, lighter, or faster to produce — without compromising the core function.
Design optimization isn’t a sign that something “wasn’t good enough,” but a natural part of technical growth. The best products don’t stand still — they evolve and get smarter over time.
