Hey all,
It’s Monday, May 6th meaning this is Kaj and Thijs with a new update on Slide. Our previous update centered on completing delivery of the first batch of Slides. We shipped over 150 Slides to our backers, which was the biggest milestone so far! If you've missed it, be sure to find that update in your mailbox to catch up on some nice footage. In this update we shift our focus towards the next batch.
Slide in action at backers
As much as we all love the demo curtains here at our IIM office we figured it’d be time for a change of scenery. ;-) Some of you asked us if we had footage from Slides in the field, so we asked backers to send us videos of Slide in their homes. We got quite some exciting videos back and made this short compilation below of Slides in action at backers.
About a month after we completed delivering the first batch all devices are still operational (or at least we haven’t heard otherwise). Some users experienced hick-ups in installation or initial use, and a small number of people had difficulty getting the system up on their existing tracks. We were able to resolve most of these issues, and are following up on a few that are still open. We've also collected more general qualitative feedback from backers, and specific feedback about the installation process, that we use to improve the next manufacturing batches (more about that below).
Hardware - Prepping next production batches
As mentioned in earlier updates, our biggest focus is to make sure we can scale up production, meaning:
Improve % of parts passing quality testing. Involves high-precision (sub-millimeter) tweaks to the moving parts to eliminate tenacious issues observed in first batch, such as squeaking sound.
Modify parts to speed up assembly process. Increase production rate, decrease production cost.
Incorporate feedback from backers in first batch.
We already started this process as we were getting the first batch out, with Kaj working closely with our engineers in China to modify the models and drawings of the Slide parts
. Last week we completed the drawing modification process and submitted all models to the toolmaker to start implementing these modifications in the tools. After that, we’ll get new part samples for approval, which is when we check if the modification was done correctly, and if it has solved the underlying issue. We expect this to happen in about 3-4 weeks. After that, those parts can be mass-manufactured and the production of the next batches can start. More about the time-line of this further below.
To illustrate, we’re including a couple of examples of what the type of modifications we’re talking about:
1. Inefficient bolt-and-nut assembly
The bottomcap of Slide, which houses the PCB (electronics), is attached to Slide’s metal frame using a bolt and nut. The nut is located inside the metal frame, which is hard to reach, requiring an external plier to keep it in place. Aside from being time-inefficient, the plier would sometimes accidentally scratch onto the PCB, creating additional damage risk. To mitigate this efficiency and risk, we’re now placing a thread inside the metal frame itself, eliminating the need for a nut inside the frame.
2. Stiff second connector
The second connector is used if someone wants to connect a second curtain (of a double curtain setup) to their Slide. It is snapped onto the wire by the user. Sometimes the connector is not properly aligned and needs to be detached and moved. As you can see in the GIF, the clip fit is so tight that you need a screwdriver to detach them.. clearly that wasn't intended. Multiple backers emailed us about this. We’re now modifying the recess inside the second connector to allow for a smoother fit, without decreasing reliability.
3. Sharp points on clip
The clip that is used to attach both the first and second connector to your curtain runners had sharp points that multiple people indicated were quite painful if they touched their fingers during placement. Again, not the plan. We’re making small modifications to the clip that eliminates these sharp ends.
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net...1caf7ab8aa2951e012b25894c
Software
First software integration: the Slide App for Homey
As we rolled out the first batch of Slides we’ve also started testing our Open API with a small number of people in the community. One of these community members, Jorden Chamid, created the first community smart home integration for Slide: Homey. Homey is a smart home hardware system that connects all your devices at home, and also a fellow Dutch Kickstarter alumnus. Jorden made sure the Slide App for Homey is fully updated for the release version of Slide. If you’re a Homey user, you can find it in the Homey App listings here:
https://apps.athom.com/app/nl.innovationinmotion.slide.
Now introducing: Slide Open Cloud API 1.0
We’re very excited to announce that after a closed beta test, we’re releasing the Slide Cloud Open API today. This is the first of two Open API’s we are making available to the public, the second one being a Local Open API which will follow slightly later.
With the Slide Cloud Open API you can connect your Slide account and devices to your own home automation system, and quite literally interact with your Slide devices in any way you want.
Click here to access the Cloud Open API Documentation
All calls are documented and include example requests available in cURL, jQuery, Python, and Node format, among others. We’ll be expanding the documentation in the coming period, including adding example responses.
Call to action: If you’re a backer looking to create a new integration for Slide that you’re able and willing to share with the rest of the community, please drop us a line. We’ve already connected with some of you, but we want to get in touch with everyone looking to help expand the Slide compatibility spectrum to see how we can best support you.
Manufacturing & delivery planning
We know you can’t wait to get your Slides. Right now, we’ve delivered 150 Slides, but we still have thousands to go. That is going to take time. The following overview might seem repetitive – that’s because the broader planning remains as is:
1. We’re making adjustments to parts to decrease assembly time, increase production efficiency, incorporate user feedback. Ultimate goal being to produce more Slides, faster.
2. Compared to the previous update, all modified models and drawings for the custom plastic and metal parts have now been released to the supplier to process. We’re expecting the first adjusted samples in a couple of weeks, and will process them as they come in. It looks like it’ll be until next month before all parts are fully released, but work on the next batch is already starting over the next few weeks, sequentially. For example, electronics and motors are already en-route to the factory meaning some sub-assemblies and quality tests can be run ahead of full assembly.
3. With this sequential approach, we stick to our aim of 1000 devices/monthly by June/July. There might be a ramp-up with a 500-series first, but we’ll know more about that as we get more input from the suppliers.
Again, the aim is to deliver the next batch of Slides to backers by July. We understandably get a lot of emails asking when a specific pledge is shipping, but we don’t have a per-pledge shipping forecast right now. We’ll try to handle your emails as best we can, but please note we’ll also reach out a few weeks before your Slide ships to confirm your address.
If you want to verify or update your address, you can revisit your address information on Backerkit: click here.
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That’s it for today. We’re excited with the video testimonials we received from the backers, definitely brings some great energy into the office here. We’re also working around the clock to make sure all of you are getting your Slides soon, and hope this update keeps you up to speed on where we stand and what’s next. Talking about – the next update comes out on June 4. If you have a question, send us a message at support@goslide.io.
Cheers from Amsterdam,
Thijs, Kaj and the rest of Team Slide
One more thing
When we asked you to send us videos of your Slide(s) in action, one of you – Lennert - went above-and-beyond and actually sent us a dedicated Slide unboxing video. It was great to see the product in one of your hands, and we’re happy to share it with everyone. Check it out below, and thanks Lennert!
https://vimeo.com/334541076