Highlighted: the production process of the BatCounter
Date: 9 May 2024
Producing the BatCounter starts (just like any device) with the collection of the components. The BatCounter requires a total of 148 different parts. Some components are used more than once in the BatCounter, resulting in a total of more than 660 individual parts. Quite a puzzle!
Not an ordinary frame
A good example of the complexity of the BatCounter is the frame. Before the frame can be made, the steel must first be purchased. It is then milled, bead blasted and blackened. Then the nuts are pressed in, after which the frame is ready for the final assembly.
At the final assembly, all technical elements are placed in the frame. This is the biggest challenge, because everything has to be fitted in the exact position and secured with screws. When this has been done, access is no longer possible. Next, all bars ends are filled up with silicone so that moisture cannot enter. And then the BatCounter is ready to do its job; keeping track of the phenology of bats!
A closer look at the production process
Assembling the BatCounter is a complex process in which small series of devices are produced. Because of this, but also for several other reasons, we sometimes struggled to deliver the BatCounters on time.
This is why we had to take a closer look at the entire production process and to further streamline it. We have now outsourced the production of all components and the entire production process has been documented again. Soon we will outsource the entire production process, in order to speed up the delivery of the BatCounters.
In this way we will be able to provide the best and fastest possible service to our customers and contribute to the improvement of bat research through our equipment.