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What a year it's been!
As the year comes to an end, we've been reflecting on our journey. And it's been a massive year!
Here's what 2022 held for us...
In terms of our Customers
Onboarded more than 25 new orthotists across Australia, United States and New Zealand, including our very first New Zealand Orthotist.
Can now say we serve orthotists across every state and territory in Australia.
Onboarded a handful of US Clinicians in 3 states as part of our US beta-testing program.
Started working with a prominent US Clinician, previous president of the American Board of Certification and current chair of the US AOPA Coding & Reimbursement committee, to align our product with US Clinician’s needs.
In terms of Product
Moved completely to full-colour printed, vapour polished AFOs and not only increased the durability of our finish, but also made AFOs FUN and like wearable art!
Launched two new workflows, and continued to develop others.
Expanded our range of products to include SMAFO, Resting AFO, ROM Resting AFO, Carbon Fibre Equivalent PDE AFO, StabilityBrace and Integrated Straps, and are developing TPU and FlexiStrut. Check out the product gallery.
Our growing AFO Range
In development: FlexiStrut & Integrated straps
Received over 300 orders and printed 500+ AFOs.
Increased the average fatigue life of our products by about 10x, simultaneously doubling the impact strength through rigorous testing of different material and print options from around the world, and continue to push limits with our testing. This means clients can work for longer and take part in more activities before our product reaches the end of its usable life.
Sometimes we use humans
But mostly it's TARA.
Watch TARA in action and learn more about testing
Improved the platform user interface and usability, and introduced new features like Padding Pockets.
Vetted companies from around the world and found a new printer testing platform that is faster and more accurate, which means an enhanced product base in 2023.
Developed a well integrated Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA) System which is helping us steadily and reliably reduce issues and increase quality of our products and service.
In terms of Production
Brought our total average turnaround time down from 17.6 to 10 business days.
More than halved our average onboarding time - to just 1 hour.
Reduced the average time from when orders are submitted to when they are sent out for printing from 9 to 4 days.
Improved our supplier management processes which has helped improve turnaround times and costs.
In the Community
Partnered with Northcott Innovation to develop and pilot method of delivering services via telehealth to see if we can achieve high-quality service provision to rural and remote areas and save kids having to travel to receive services. Read more about the project.
Miss S. visits our Victor Harbour Pop Up Clinic
Exhibited and ran a Digital Workflows panel at AOPA 2022, and were excited to find that the industry is very ready for Digital Fabrication. We can't wait to help orthotists learn and adopt this new technology despite their very busy workloads.
Collaborated with 22 Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering thesis and masters students on research projects associated with multiple universities
Took part in research projects with at least 2 external companies and/or research institutes.
As a Company
Raised another round of funds in access of $1 million, giving us enough funding to support the next stage of our development and deliver on our mission to help orthotists create better orthoses and ensure the best patient outcomes are made possible through 3D printed and digital technologies. (Thank you to all our investors who have continued to believe in us and the mission of bringing 3D printed orthotics to millions of kids across Australia and beyond)
Established market-fit for our workflows and products and continue to increase market penetration.
Were nominated finalists for the “IMPACT ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR” in the 2022 Australian Impact Investment Awards.
Last but not least, we have a new team member - a dedicated Logistics Coordinator to help us kick our turnaround time goals and delight customers!
Here's to 2023!
We're more exited than ever to be part of such an exciting time for the industry, and to be on the forefront helping orthotists learn about digital workflows, implementing 3D print technologies as another tool in their toolbox, and bringing the advantages of digital workflows to their business.
We're looking forward to what 2023 brings, and to making digital fabrication as simple, powerful and delightful for orthotists as possible.
How might digital fabrication change the game for you in 2023? What are your goals for next year? We'd love to hear how we can support you with those!
Drop us a line at hello@abilitymade.com, on LinkedIn or at +61 02 7201 9689.