Multi-disciplinary engineering studies are conducted to establish viability of new concepts and to focus the direction of new equipment development. Cost benefit analyses, requirements definitions and concept designs are produced.
RZE conducts multidisciplinary engineering studies for companies interested in introducing new technology into their operations. These studies include:

• Review of existing process, site constraints, and process management methods.
• Evaluation of available technologies to suit application.
• Engineering analyses and calculations to demonstrate viability, productivity, and cost/benefit of alternatives. Trade-off alternatives.
• Requirements specifications for new equipment and systems.
• Concept layouts showing relation to existing equipment and site.

Design and analysis of structures, mechanisms, electrical and hydraulic actuators and control systems are performed. Layouts, detailed drawings and bills of material are produced.
Where existing machines of components do not meet the customer's requirements, RZE can design custom structures, mechanisms, drives and control systems as necessary. Our machine design practice follows the same structured approach employed in developing complete systems including the following steps:

• A detailed definition of the problem and requirements is prepared, if a requirements specification does not already exist.
• Alternative design concepts are formulated, analyzed and trade-offs performed to define a machine design concept which best meets the functional, performance, cost, safety, reliability and maintainability criteria required for the application.
• Layouts of the proposed concept are prepared to illustrate the machinery elements and how they work.
• Adequacy assessments are performed to ensure that the design is functional, safe, reliable and is manufacturable.
• Design reviews are held to ensure that the design meets the customer's needs.
• Once the design is approved, manufacturing drawings of the individual components and assemblies are prepared, along with bills of material.

RZE takes high technology sensors and automation products and integrates them with proven packaging, positioners and structures to supply customer with "turnkey" systems. Such projects include the following elements:

• Selection and detailed specification of appropriate off-the-shelf components to meet customer's requirements.
• Preparation of overall system drawings.
• Preparation of custom operator-interface software to tie together individual computerized components.
• Integrated tests of complete system.

Project scheduling, cost accounting and control, preparation of purchase requisitions, evaluation of vendors, subcontractor supervision, drawing update control, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals and operator training are among the services provided.

• Project schedule control using computerized scheduling programs.
• Cost accounting and control.
• Preparation of equipment and material purchase requisitions.
• Evaluation of vendors.
• Drawing and specification update control.
• Preparation of operating and maintenance manuals and operator training.

All of the above services can be combined in a single project to develop a new approach to an existing problem. RZE manages a phased program to develop and implement a customized system, which has maximum benefit at minimum development risk.

• A study of the existing process and site constraints and goals for the prototype equipment results in a requirements specification.
• A trade-off of available technologies to determine those best suited to the application.
• A preliminary design phase culminating in system layouts showing the new equipment and interfaces with the existing site.
• A detailed design phase leading to manufacturing drawings and procurement specifications.
• Project management during the procurement of off-the-shelf elements and manufacture of custom hardware.
• Integration of custom and off-the-shelf components.
• Technical supervision of the installation and commissioning of the prototype system.