Introduction
As innovations are important with regard to their implementation into the industry and the future success resulting in effective financial performance, it is necessary to introduce innovative units that can contribute greatly to the operation and maintenance of the business. In this respect, Dundon (2002) has suggested that “Looking to the future and identifying strategic new ideas is particularly essential for those countries and organizations that are not blessed with rich resources or low-cost structures” (p. 86). This idea is successfully supported by another contributor to the innovation theory; thus, Moore (2005) claims that “Without innovation, offerings become more and more like each other” (p. 1). The economic effectiveness of the industry is possible in terms of innovations introduced into this industry to differentiate its offerings from others.
Analysis of the U.S. SEAL MFG
The current paper is aimed at analyzing the specific phase of the U.S. Seal Mfg., a company that deals with the production of different aftermarket used in the pool industry and other areas related to the installation of certain mechanisms that are used in pumps; the aftermarket is used in order to replace the old details and mechanisms with the new ones that can operate without being replaced. The company deals with the production of the supplemental materials of the pool industry and areas the operation which requires the use of pumps and seals. The U.S. Seal Mfg.’s efforts are targeted at the production of certain products and providing of the customers with necessary data, training, and assisting in installation.
Industry phase
As the company is currently operating in the market of the aftermarket and similar products, it has a wide range of products that can be considered original in terms of their specific features of the range of products. Currently, the industry under consideration deals with the production of products that can be used in the narrow application area; moreover, specific services including services that are aimed at assisting in selection and installation of the purchased products. In addition, the customers who want to become the company’s distributors can get a consultation from the local representatives of the company that can be found with the help of certain data available on the company’s official website.
Dominant design
The dominant design of the U.S. Seal Mfg. presupposes that the company is specialized in the production of the mechanisms that differ from those produced by the competitors. “Typical U.S. Seal Mfg. installations include, but are not limited to, centrifugal and rotary pumps, jet, petrochemical and turbine pumps, swimming pool pumps and gearbox seals” (U.S. Seal Mfg., 2010, “Overview”). Thus, these are products that represent the dominant design of the company in the specific phase of the business operation. As the concept of the dominant design does not require architectural innovations and other changes that may help to differentiate the industry in the specific phase of the industry, it is necessary to consider costs and the quality of the product with regard to certain improvements that can be made.
Market
The basic concept of market of the U.S. Seal Mfg. presupposes that this company is specialized in rendering certain services that are aimed at improving the installation and maintenance of the installed mechanisms. The target customers are the companies engaged into the pool industry, certain industrial projects that require installation and operation of pumps. As far as the mechanical seals “promise long life, reduce maintenance, and provide automatic self-adjustment. Made from the highest quality materials, the U.S. Seal Mfg. product line meets or exceeds most OEM specifications (U.S. Seal Mfg., 2010, Overview).
Competitive field
The competitive field of the U.S. Seal Mfg. company includes the companies that specialize in the production of the installation mechanisms and other products that may be found similar to those produced by the U.S. Seal Mfg. However, the competition does not concern the innovation itself as the main stage of this phase of the innovation development presupposes the improvements in quality that can promote the company and leave its competitors far behind. Thus, the main competition field includes the companies that currently perform in the market of similar products and provide their customers with the installation, training, and consulting services. However, the difference may concern the services for some industries are not specialized in rendering services.
Conclusion
The company U.S. Seal Mfg. deals with production of the mechanical seals, pumps, and related products. The main production is aimed at the customers that are specialized in the pool industry (building and maintenance of indoor and outdoor pools). Currently, the company is in the specific phase in terms of the innovation development model suggested by Utterback/Abernathy. As the development of the architecture of the innovation is not required at the current stage, the costs are provided in order to improve the quality of the products and provide the customers with assistance while installing the purchased products. The successful operation and maintenance of the installed products are due to their high quality.
References
Dundon, E. (2002). The seeds of innovation: cultivating the synergy that fosters new ideas. New York: AMACOM.
Moore, G. A. (2005). Dealing with Darwin: How great companies innovate at every phase of their business. New York: Portfolio.
U.S. Seal Mfg. (2010). Overview. Web.