Episode 260: How Engineering Teams Improve Product Performance and Customer Experience
What happens behind the scenes before a window or door system ever reaches production? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Matt Riland, Director of Product Engineering at MITER Brands, to explore how engineering teams improve product performance, support manufacturing operations, and drive Continuous Improvement across the organization. Matt shares how product engineering teams collaborate with operations, supply chain, service, and quality teams to create better products and stronger customer experiences. The conversation also covers simulation technology, Product Innovation, Standardization, and how MITER DNA influences engineering decisions throughout the product lifecycle. What You’ll Learn • How product engineering teams evaluate windows and doors before production • Why Continuous Improvement depends on cross-functional collaboration • How simulation tools help reduce testing time and improve product performance • The role trust and communication play in profitable partnerships • Why customer experience and manufacturing efficiency must work together Episode Highlights 02:29 – What product engineering looks like inside the window and door industry 03:34 – How engineering teams validate product performance before launch 05:21 – Why small design changes can impact manufacturing operations 07:38 – How teams across multiple facilities collaborate on product improvements 10:06 – Why feedback loops are critical for Continuous Improvement 12:02 – How simulation technology improves engineering decisions 13:39 – The importance of document control and engineering systems 15:18 – Why profitable partnerships are built on trust and communication 16:27 – Matt Riland’s favorite MITER DNA principle and why it matters Meet the Guest Matt Riland is the Director of Product Engineering for MI Windows and Doors and the Sunrise Collection at MITER Brands. He brings more than two decades of experience in product engineering, customer engineering, operational collaboration, and manufacturing support. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Continuous Improvement • MITER DNA • Product Innovation • CAD simulation tools • Engineering product data management systems • Standardization processes • Cross-functional engineering collaboration • Every Detail, Every Day operational mindset Closing Insight “Everybody’s feedback is critical to getting to a really good solution.” In this episode, Matt Riland explains how engineering, collaboration, and Continuous Improvement work together to create stronger products, better operational outcomes, and a better customer experience. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations ab...