A major European chemical company commissioned Corvay Consult to evaluate a biotechnological production technology used by a competitor. Based on this study, the company was able to compare the investment and operating costs of its own bioconversion and purification process.
The first step was intensive research: Desk research is useful for gaining an overview and helps to identify gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. As much secondary data as possible from reports, publications, websites or databases was collected and analyzed. The next step was so-called primary research, in which the relevant experts from our network were interviewed in order to obtain information directly and unfiltered from the market.
After completing our research and analyzing and interpreting all the information and data, we were able to estimate the dimensions of the production plant. With our experience in the field of biotechnology and the fact that we have seen and developed similar processes, we were able to draw up a list of the theoretical equipment required, calculate the necessary dimensions and estimate the investment costs. The theoretical operating costs could be calculated using the relevant data collected on raw material, labor, energy and disposal costs, etc.
This example illustrates the importance of in-house expertise combined with strong networks in order to produce reliable analyses for questions for which the answers are not freely available or would take a very long time to obtain. In this way, we can create strategic advantages for our clients.