Did you know that while user journeys for implementing VOCID® H2Confirm are very similar, no two are identical? VOCID® H2Confirm, NanoScent’s hydrogen purity measurement solution, can be customized and applied across various points of the value chain, from production to refueling stations, the user journey can be unique for each customer.
#1 Introductions
When we get to know each other, this is usually at a trade show or a video call. During introductions, we share information about ourselves and our companies and search for mutual interests.
Typically these meetings are with engineers, from the infrastructure, operational or instrumentation divisions, who are potential end users. They can come from the oil and gas industries, as well as the mobility industry across all its segments, e.g. OEMs and infrastructure providers. More specifically, customers/ end users who want to monitor hydrogen contamination are from the hydrogen-based transportation industry like fleet managers, refueling stations providers and operators. Other users are hydrogen producers and distributors (via electrolysis, ammonia cracking, LOHC and more).
#2 Understanding Motivations
It is very important for us to understand what motivates our users, both at an individual level and at a company level, since these motivations tend to drive decision-making when it comes to hydrogen purity measurement.
The things that may motivate our customers may be related to their company and professional goals like becoming more efficient in detecting contaminants or even more general goals like political or industrial motivation like wishing to be greener or more sustainable.
Another common motivation is bringing added-value to your customers, since many potential customers have asked us to offer our solution as an add-on service.
#3 Defining user requirements.
This process usually takes time and requires a full engagement from both sides. The more accurate and close to real life the requirements will be, the easy the implementation and adoption will be.
To get to a deep level of understanding and the best product fit to you, we engage into conversations either virtually or in person with on-site visits. During these meetings we specify together the technological and usability aspects of the final solution.
Technological specifications: we need to understand the hydrogen source as well as its delivery method (i.e. to perform a risk assessment of potential contaminations) , the environment in which the product will operate, the temperature and pressure requirements of the sample and the electricity and connectivity availability.
Usability and robustness specifications: we need to understand the scenario and how exactly the product will be used and by whom.
Examples of questions and talking points during this step of the process:
Define target contaminations for measuring and monitoring. Which compounds from the ISO-14687 should be prioritized and more relevant for you?
Define context and what part of the supply chain to target. Where in the process do you wish to implement the VOCID® H2Confirm? (e.g. production, transportation, storage, at the refueling stations?)
Define the environment in which VOCID® H2Confirm operates in. What is the pressure, humidity and temperature?
Define power and communication requirements. Will it be possible to connect the device to an electrical socket? Does the location have internet? Should it be operated wirelessly (i.e internet and electricity)?
The answers to these questions help make implementing our hydrogen purity measurement solution much easier.
#4 Product Specification Review
Once we establish clearly your requirements and define the scenario and expectations for implementing our hydrogen monitoring system, this is reviewed by the NanoScent team. In some cases, where user requirements cannot be met, this information is passed on to R&D and placed for consideration as a requirement for the next product version.
In most cases, the requirements are programmed to the monitoring device and the product is delivered to the customer for on-site implementation and evaluation of success criteria.
#5 On-site Implementation
On-site implementation is reserved only for customers with the intention of purchasing the product. Prior to beginning on-site implementation, a conditional purchase order is made where the customer agrees to purchase the device given the completion of pre-established success criteria. The number of devices that will be purchased this year and the following 5 years is also discussed at this point.
The idea of on-site implementation (i.e. ‘beta testing’) is to ensure that the VOCID® H2Confirm device works in your industrial environment before you complete the purchase of our hydrogen purity measurement solution. To do this, we establish a beta testing plan that defines the test plan, outlining things like:
The duration of the testing period
Number of units required
Success criteria based on:
Performance testing (ensuring a contamination is detected when it is present)
Robustness (no malfunctions, stable performance, ease of operation)
Implement VOCID® H2Confirm
VOCID® H2Confirm is intended to be used as a spot measurement tool of hydrogen purity and quality, providing indications regarding the level of purity of hydrogen and detecting contaminants. This solution is a novel technology on the market because it allows you to quickly identify contaminants without the need to send samples to the lab. To implement VOCID® H2Confirm, we need to have introductory meetings, discuss motivations and requirements, before moving on to providing a final solution, tailored to your business needs.