Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. Visit:
            
On our visit to Bruno we met with Bill Belson, the Director of Engineering. He took us on a tour of the manufacturing procedures and all the different steps that are necessary in order to make a finished project in a timely fashion. Bruno is known for their elevated stair climb because it has the ability to just go upwards on a straight staircase, and it can also be made to turn corners and continue going up the stairs. The unique component about this product is that it is battery powered rather than being electrically powered. This feature allows the stair climb to continue its use during a power outage. The technology used in the process of making the stair climb is pretty high tech. Photogrammetry is a 3D measurement used to measure the stairs in order to make stair climb for a specific staircase.

Vending Machine

Bruno was a very unique company to visit because it had a interesting way of keeping inventory on their expendable items throughout the manufacturing plant. Instead of having a shelf or a drawer with certain tools in it, the company has a vending machine with a computer attached to it. This is a very efficient way of keeping track of all their expendable inventory because whenever someone needs something they simply punch it into the vending machine and get what they need with the inventory taken care of at the same time. The key to doing well in a manufacturing company is keeping the customer satisfied. In order to do that you have to deliver their product quickly as possible. Bruno keeps very little inventory on hand and also very little work in progress. This allows them to have a lean manufacturing system and to satisfy their customers.

Stair Cimb

During our visit Bill said, "Quality isn't a department here, it's every ones responsibility". It is important for everyone at a company to make sure that they are producing the best possible product they can. To obtain different points of view and perspective from all the different sections of the company, Bruno has a open pod form offices to promote more communication throughout the office. Everyone works together to produce a product that will satisfy their customers. They are a very customer friendly company and are continually looking for ways to improve.

Daily Reflections:

• it is important to keep a clean workplace in your factory
• keeping your inventory really low allows you to have a higher profit
• customer satisfaction gives you a good reputation and can boost your sales