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Over-specification
Premium materials used where a cheaper one would do.
Substitution analysis that protects function and quality while cutting material and component cost.
The same function can often be delivered by a cheaper material or component — if you can prove it’s safe. We analyse substitution options against performance, quality and availability, so cost-out doesn’t become a quality risk.
Fear of risk locks in expensive materials long after they’re needed.
Premium materials used where a cheaper one would do.
No evidence base to prove a swap is safe.
No qualified alternatives when supply or price moves.
Substitution backed by evidence.
Cheaper materials/components assessed against function and quality.
Quantified impact on performance, quality and risk.
A pipeline of qualified alternatives for resilience.
De-risked cost-out.
Ranked alternatives with cost and risk.
Performance and quality impact, quantified.
Vetted options for sourcing resilience.
Bring a real decision or dataset — we’ll show you how KEPLER would approach it, with no obligation.
Book a 60-minute sessionWe start with a short diagnostic — the decision to improve, the data behind it, and a first slice that proves value fast. See how we engage →
From a quick diagnostic to a fully managed service — start small and scale as value is proven. How we engage →
The industries this work serves.
R&D, safety and commercial analytics.
Operational and patient-flow analytics.
Project controls, cost and schedule analytics.
Demand, pricing and customer analytics.
Quality, throughput and maintenance analytics.
From option to qualified swap.
Candidate substitutions are surfaced.
Function, quality and risk impact is quantified.
Viable options are checked against requirements.
Safe alternatives are added to the approved list.
Savings are realised on switch.
Cheaper inputs, proven safe before you switch.
The category, capabilities and expertise this connects to.
Common problems in this area, how KEPLER solves them, and the likely outcome.
8–15% material cost out
View details →Parts carry premium grades chosen years ago and never revisited. The material does more than the application requires, and pays for it on every unit.
A ranked list of material downgrades that hold function, each with the saving and the test needed to qualify it.
Fewer unique part numbers
View details →Designers reach for familiar components, so the BOM carries expensive or near-obsolete parts when a cheaper qualified equivalent exists.
A leaner, cheaper component set with less duplication and lower obsolescence exposure.
2nd source risk reduced
View details →A part depends on one material from one supplier. Price rises go unchallenged and a disruption stops the line, with no qualified alternative ready.
Qualified alternatives that ease price exposure and give the part a second source before it's needed.
No use cases match this filter yet — but the problem is almost certainly one we can help with.
Ask us about your problem →Tell us a costly material or part and we’ll explore safe alternatives.
Talk to our VAVE team
