Learnings

Outcomes

• Heat actuation has been researched, sourced, design work to incorporate this into the device. Prototypes have been manufactured and tested in house.
• Packaging, labelling, and training needs have been identified, designed, and approved.
• Manufacturer has been identified through a tender process, improvements have been adopted based on the recommendations for manufacture process and prototyping completed.
• Additional work carried out to incorporate an over-ride mechanism.
• Field Trials commenced at Cadent Friendly homes, this has tested the usability around installation and removal. Testing of actuation of device at install, one week, one month and removal which included tightness tests. All of which passed.
• Independent test house commenced and 70% of testing complete. Some changes to the device were required at the test house due to incorrect handling a fix was needed which has been implemented into the production units. The remaining testing will continue post NIA project. 

Lessons Learnt

• Allow additional time for field trials and gathering of data needed to support the project.
• Tendering of manufacture was completed earlier in the project and will allow a smoother transition into BAU and delivering benefit. Ensure we understand timescales of this activity prior to signing off project plan.
• Additional time needed to ensure all requirements are considered at the start of the project, over-ride wasn’t a requirement during phase one or two until reviewing test and trial programme with Policy team.