Innovative spirit

Innovation at Topoint emphasizes not only on products, we also place equal importance on process and conceptual innovation and creativity. Our aim is to achieve continuing optimizations to work processes, build creative business models, and attain our corporate mission of enhance added-values for our customers. In 2017, Topoint invested NT$ 35.19 million (Note 1) in creative research and development (R&D), a figure equal to 3.1% to our operating revenue.

Note 1. The figures for R&D expenses were those related to Topoint Taiwan, not consolidated for the entire Group.

Conceptual innovation

Topoint is a customer-oriented company. To satisfy our customer’s requirements for turnkey solutions and best cost-effectiveness, we have revolutionized the traditional roles of tooling supply vendor by creating the first integrated service package of our industry. This package of integrated service process includes: customizable designs and production of drill bits, re-sharpening of the drill bits, PCB drilling process, drilling parameter optimization, equipment maintenance and repairs, and provision of yield and delivery guarantees. The integrated service experience ensures that every customer requirement is met quickly and efficiently. To date, we have successfully provided this creative service model with up to 8 customer locations.

Process innovation

To improve efficiency and quality of operation, Topoint pursues continuous improvements of various work processes, completing a total of 52 process innovations and improvements in 2017. Topoint Shanghai was certified by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) in February 2016, also acquired the TPM Excellence Award. In September 2016, we achieved the prestigious Class 3 Award Golden Idea for Plant Management, Class 3 Award for Creative Plant Management Tool, and Kanban Organization Award for Corporate Site Management during the National Congress of Plant Engineering, 2016 and the 14th National Congress of TnPM. These awards testify to the creative technical mindsets of Topoint as well as our commitment to equipment and plant management. We shall continue to review and improve upon various work processes to enhance our competitive advantages.

Technical innovation

Topoint has invested in various R&D projects for many years and patented multiple results of our R&D efforts. As of the end of 2017, Topoint has earned a total of 108 patents. Our patents primarily relate to the technical field of precision drill bits, tools, and production techniques. Our current patent portfolio comprises 39 patents in Taiwan, 46 in China, 17 in Japan, and 6 in Korea. For the future, we shall continue to monitor trends of technological development in the industry and release high performance products that satisfy market requirements. We shall also acquire relevant patents to enhance our technological potential and protect our intellectual property (IP).

For more information, please refer to CSR REPORT.