Engineering Processes at EFG with Gülistan Albayrak

EFG Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Gülistan Albayrak noted that product development processes begin in line with customer needs and industry requirements, adding that feedback from the field plays a significant role in enhancing product safety and longevity. Albayrak also noted that work is ongoing on alternative technologies to SF6 gas.

EFG Electric Mechanical Engineer Gülistan Albayrak explained that product development processes in the electrical sector are shaped by customer needs and industry requirements. Albayrak said that numerous criteria—from the design phase to manufacturability, and from field performance to safety—are evaluated simultaneously.

A graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Harran University who has been working as a mechanical engineer at EFG Elektrik since 2020, Albayrak stated that engineering processes are addressed in conjunction with manufacturability and field conditions from the concept stage onward.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BEGINS WITH CUSTOMER NEEDS

Albayrak noted that at EFG Elektrik, once a product idea emerges, the engineering process begins in line with customer needs and industry requirements. He explained that design work is carried out in the initial phase, followed by an assessment of the product’s manufacturability.

Emphasizing that design and manufacturability cannot be considered independently of one another, Albayrak explained that engineers develop designs by taking into account both field requirements and manufacturing conditions.

Albayrak said, “We have to consider both the field and manufacturability before creating the design. This design must also meet the need.”

FIELD DATA IS CRUCIAL IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Noting that feedback from the field is of critical importance in product development processes, Albayrak said that field data is one of the key inputs for revisions to be made to products.

Albayrak noted that the performance of products under real-world operating conditions is indispensable data from an engineering perspective, and explained that necessary changes are made to products based on field feedback, with efforts made to anticipate potential failures in advance.

Albayrak noted that this approach contributes to making products safer and more durable.

MANUFACTURABILITY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS DESIGN

Albayrak noted that one of the most challenging aspects of engineering processes is evaluating design and manufacturability simultaneously, adding that while some designs may be technically feasible, they can be reevaluated in light of manufacturing and field conditions.

Albayrak noted that while quite ambitious ideas can sometimes emerge during the design phase, designs that are incompatible with manufacturing and field conditions may be abandoned.

MARGIN OF ERROR IS CRITICAL IN SWITCHING PRODUCTS

Emphasizing that switching products are systems that can directly affect human life, Albayrak said that, for this reason, margins of error in engineering processes are extremely critical.

Pointing out that even a minor error in the products could affect the safety of field personnel, workforce, and result in material and emotional losses, Albayrak noted that very low tolerances are therefore applied in certain areas.

Albayrak said, “We are actually dealing with a product that directly impacts human life. Even the smallest error in a product affects human life.”

CONTINUOUS COORDINATION BETWEEN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING

Noting that it is natural for differing opinions to arise between engineering and manufacturing teams during mass production, Albayrak said these differences are evaluated to improve the product.

Albayrak explained that the manufacturing and engineering teams work together to determine how the product can be made more durable and compliant with standards, adding that any differences of opinion that arise during the process are evaluated with the goal of reaching a common solution.

“OUR COMPETITION IS WITH OURSELVES”

Albayrak noted that the work culture at EFG Elektrik is built on continuous development and innovation, adding that new products and ideas are being worked on every day within the company.

Noting that global markets are closely monitored, Albayrak stated that their goal is not only to keep pace with current developments but also to produce work that can contribute to the global market.

Albayrak said, “Our real competition is with ourselves. New developments are happening every day. Every day, we design new products and put forward new ideas,” he said.

ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO SF6 USE ON THE AGENDA

Albayrak noted that the transition away from the use of SF6 gas in the electricity sector is also on the agenda, adding that EFG Elektrik is closely following technological developments in this area.

Highlighting practices in Europe, Albayrak noted that efforts toward the transition process in Turkey are also ongoing, and stated that they are working on alternative technologies to SF6.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENGINEERS ON FIELD EXPERIENCE AND ANALYTICAL THINKING

Albayrak also offered advice to young people aspiring to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, noting that engineering is not merely about technical knowledge.

Albayrak noted that a good engineer must be familiar with the field, possess analytical thinking skills, and be able to communicate effectively with others, highlighting the importance of evaluating technical knowledge and field experience together.

Noting that he himself was not an expert in the field of electricity when he started at EFG Elektrik, Albayrak said that the training provided within the company contributes to engineers’ development in various fields.

Albayrak noted that EFG Elektrik offers training and development opportunities to new employees and engineers, providing them with opportunities to gain knowledge in various fields and further their professional growth.

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