LensCrafters 2011 Annual Report Download - page 25

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An emphasis on product design and the continuous development of new styles is key to
Luxottica’s success. During 2011, Luxottica added approximately
to its eyewear collections. The design of the Group’s products is the focal point where vi-
sion, technology and creativity converge. Ever in search of innovation and originality, the
designers “see” eyewear as art, as objects to put on display. Driven by this “vision”, they
survey the market and its famous names but draw on their own imagination and inexhaust-
ible creativity.
Luxottica’s in-house designers oversee the entire concept phase of the creative process,
culminating in the creation of the model. At this initial phase, the prototype makers trans-
form designs into one-off pieces, crafted by hand with meticulous precision. Once devel-
oped, they are passed on to the product department, which uses 3D software to analyze
the steps necessary to bring the prototype to mass production. Three main manufacturing
technologies are involved: metal, acetate slabs and plastic (injection molding).
At this point in the cycle, the tooling shop puts together equipment needed to make the
components for the new model. The first specimens obtained are assembled and undergo
a series of tests required by internal quality control procedures.
The next steps are production and quality certification of sales samples of the new models.
These samples are subjected to another sequence of tests to ascertain the quality of the
engineering.
The final step is the production of an initial batch using definitive tooling certified by an
external standards organization. These samples are produced in a pilot facility represent-
ing the plant chosen to mass produce the new model in order to meet the needs of pro-
duction planning.
Speed and efficiency in coordinating the various phases enhance overall productivity.
Communication and interaction between people and departments is key to achieving a
constant stream of new solutions and a creative process that generates unique products.
2.4 Design฀and฀product฀
development
5,600฀new฀styles
An emphasis on product
d
Luxottica’s success. Durin
g
to its e
y
ewear collections.
s
ion, technolo
gy
and crea
d
esi
g
ners “see” e
y
ewear
s
urve
y
the market and its f
i
bl
e creativit
y
.
Luxottica’s in-house desi
g
culminatin
g
in the creatio
n
f
orm desi
g
ns into one-o
ff
oped, the
y
are passed on
the steps necessar
y
to bri
n
technolo
g
ies are involved
:
At this point in the c
y
cle,
t
components for the new
m
a series o
f
tests required
b
The next steps are produc
t
These samples are sub
j
ec
t
en
gi
neer
i
n
g.
The
f
inal step is the prod
u
external standards or
g
ani
z
in
g
the plant chosen to m
d
uction p
l
annin
g.
Speed and e
ff
icienc
y
in
c
Communication and inter
constant stream of new s
o