QR_ for start-ups

Successfully transitioning from design to line is hard.

A good idea is one thing, making it real is something else. QR_ have been the digital to physical NPD process and data partner for dozens of start-ups. We know where the data traps are and how to avoid them.

The cost of bad data

21%

of engineering time is lost to product data management inefficiency.

Not a technology problem. A process and people one. And the one QR_ exists to solve.

What that 21% looks like recovered

Start-ups · AutomotiveSupport an EV start-up define and develop a detailed business process roadmap and associated PDM approach to bring a brand-new truck into series production in under two years.“Whoever did this is amazing. This is really impressive!”Head of PDM, electric truck start-up
Start-ups · MarineDiagnose process gaps and collate a Centralized BOM from disparate data sources to help recover a 3-month launch delay that had resulted in £9m lost revenue.“The QR_ team have reverse-engineered eight vessels, and no one in the company has managed to do it before.”Head of Engineering Quality, marine robotics scale-up
Start-ups · AutomotiveEnhance the granularity and usability of dashboards used by an EV start-up to report out vehicle requirements.“You have really helped us get clarity around our complex requirements so everyone knows exactly what we're talking about and how that fits into the big picture.”Key stakeholder, EV start-up

PDM: Product Data Management

Data is one of the most strategic assets any organisation has: the lifeblood of the business. Design-led companies hire great engineers and designers; they rarely hire for PDM. The result is a 'data quality tax' that sees more than 80% of complex product programmes run late or over budget. PDM is the discipline that makes the tax avoidable.

Processes

BOM validation and verification
Change, release and configuration management
Master data strategy and governance
Always-on quality checks at point of change

Roles and skills

Dedicated PDM practitioners, not a sub-function of engineering
Clear data stewardship and accountability
PDM Academy training and professional qualification
Hands-on NPD and PLM practitioners across sectors

Enabling tools

Software-agnostic integrations across PLM, ERP and MES
AI-augmented BOM checks and validation
Automation at point of change authorship

Spotlight #2

The hidden factory, in two parts.

Engineering teams lose up to 30% of their hours to non-productive data work: searching, validating, recreating information that should already be trusted. That's the hidden factory: a silent drain on margin, launch confidence, and innovation capacity. Done right, data quality becomes a financial lever rather than an overhead. Here's the case, and the playbook.

Part 1 →Part 2 →

Start-ups practice leadership

Meet the team

Sam Hirst

Associate Director, UK Start-ups Practice

LinkedIn ↗

As a UK Business Unit Owner, Sam is holistically responsible for the business success at a range of clients; from eVTOLs to EV start-ups, as well as new workstreams in Retail and Maritime.

During his time at QR_, Sam has emerged from learning the traditional PDM methods and processes in our Essex Business Unit, before rising to Business Leader in South-West London, and then Associate Director across all of the UK.

Outside of work, Sam loves exercise and exploring with his German Shepherd, Nova.

Julia MacFarlane

Engagement Lead

LinkedIn ↗

Having previously worked for various established companies, start-ups and scale-ups, Julia has 18 years' experience in Automotive project and program management.

Julia has managed several projects, ranging from one-off EV builds to new systems integration, and has more recently worked for a Fem-Tech company where she managed operational projects.

Outside of QR_, Julia continues to show her determination and strength demonstrated through her self-set challenges to run marathons, half-marathons and 10Ks.

Rob Levy

Engagement Lead

LinkedIn ↗

Rob helps shape the processes and best practice for QR_'s projects. His focus is on ensuring that our projects are delivered to the highest quality and de-risking existing projects through QR_'s very own PMO.

In his years of service at QR_, Rob has engaged with Electric Vehicle Manufacturers as well as Emergency Vehicle and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Manufacturers.

Outside of work, Rob is an avid traveller and sporting enthusiast.

Jon Chou

Business Leader, California

LinkedIn ↗

Jon came to Quick Release_ from Foxconn in 2024 where he was leading the Apple engagement among others. He brings years of PM, supply chain, and manufacturing experience with an emphasis on commercial business negotiations and business strategy.

Currently, he is the Business Unit Owner for Quick Release_'s US West BU. The direction, growth, and financial health of the BU fall on him. He is also focused on upskilling members of his team as the perimeter of the unit expands and additional clients come into play. Jon places a strong emphasis on tying the goals of his team in with the overall business strategy of Quick Release_ in the US.

Based out of the Irvine, California office, Jon takes advantage of the sunny weather out on the West Coast. He has three dogs and is frequently hiking on the weekends and spending time with his significant other. He also has a passion for automobiles, all things tech, and the culinary arts.

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