The PGC 4D Process: Discover, Diagnose, Develop and Deliver

At PGC, our focus is on offering tailored solutions for our customers. When a current or prospective customer comes to us with a challenge, we use our 4D process to identify the most efficient approach to addressing their needs. PGC's 4D process steps include Discover, Diagnose, Develop, and Deliver. We apply this process to fully comprehend our clients' needs and expectations, with the goal of expediting their product launches. 

Discover:

In the first step of our 4D process, Discover, a PGC application engineer will collaborate with a customer’s engineer to identify their needs and ensure we the manufacturing process meets the timeline. This stage involves our engineers asking fundamental questions to help us understand the part's form, fit, and function. Having a drawing or assembly that the part will go into provides a helpful starting point at this stage. Asking the right questions is essential in this process, as we can clarify details that may not come across clearly in an explanation or drawing.

Diagnose:

If no drawings are available or the solution is not accessible, we will proceed to the Diagnose phase. During this phase, we will ask questions about the application to help us identify and define the requirements. These questions will provide answers regarding how the part is used, the materials involved, how it will be packaged, and more. These questions will help us determine the best way to create the solution and what material will make the best product. This can directly impact the lead time and the quality of the part, so it's crucial to understand the part's intended use and its exposure.

Develop:

After gathering the application's requirements and specifications, our engineers will proceed to the Develop stage. At this point, we will work to find a solution that’s a balance between maximizing material yield and meeting the timeline requirements. Other factors influencing this decision include packaging, assembly, and any other ways we can enhance value for our customers. Once we have all the necessary information, we will begin working on prototypes of the part. After prototype testing, we can modify the application based on feedback, or the customer will issue a purchase order. Once we receive a purchase order, our engineers will fulfill the customer’s order by modeling it after the agreed prototype.

Deliver:

During the final stage, the manufactured part will be delivered to our customer if it’s within our delivery and shipping ranges. The typical timeline for this process ranges from four to eight weeks. In some cases, the timeframe may be shortened based on the complexity of the application or the customer's requirements. However, based on the complexity of the issue, materials needed, and manufacturability, the process may also take longer than eight weeks.

Our 4D Process is a highly effective methodology that helps us uncover our customers' needs, diagnose specific application requirements, develop prototypes that align with their expectations, and efficiently deliver the final product. This approach is central to achieving our rigorous quality standards, which include a 99% lot acceptance rate. By adhering to PGC's quality protocols at every stage—from print to delivery—we ensure that each product meets the highest benchmarks of performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Learn more about PGC's commitment to achieving the highest quality standards here.