Manufacturing Execution Systems and Systems Engineering in AM: Mayo Clinic Engineering

Conference Abstract: Mayo Clinic's Division of Engineering (DOE) boasts a rich legacy of innovation, evolving from a humble Instrument Shop in 1915 to a state-of-the-art hub for medical and non-medical device development. This evolution is exemplified by the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in 2006, empowering physicians with custom tools for complex clinical cases. Today, the Division's Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) houses a diverse fleet of polymer and metal technologies, meticulously managed by skilled Mechanical Engineering Design Technicians.

In the context of AM, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) can be used to manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods, schedule print jobs, track the progress of print jobs, monitor the performance of 3D printers, and generate reports on production and quality. Mayo Clinic's MES plays a critical role in the successful operation of its AMF. The system is used to manage all aspects of the additive manufacturing process, from scheduling print jobs to tracking the progress and delivery of those jobs. This allows the AMF to ensure that all requests are completed on time while achieving a high standard of quality. Our MES experience demonstrates high ROI value, including increased throughput, improved quality, reduced costs, and increased visibility into the AM process.

But innovation goes beyond technology. Mayo Clinic leverages the principles of systems engineering to orchestrate the entire device development process. Systems engineering provides a holistic framework, integrating clinical needs, engineering expertise, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing considerations. Beyond AM, this systems engineering approach drives the development of diverse devices, ranging from minimally invasive surgical instruments to cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools. DOE engineers apply rigorous systems engineering principles to ensure each device delivers impactful solutions for both medical and non-medical applications.