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Founded in 2013, Tactile Engineering is an Indiana-based manufacturer dedicated to developing advanced assistive technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired. Drawing on decades of expertise in assistive technology, education, engineering, and product development, the team created the Cadence Tactile Tablet, an innovative device featuring a tactile display for Braille and graphics that move and change beneath your fingers. Through its mission-driven work, Tactile Engineering aims to remove barriers to accessibility and transform education, careers, and daily life for blind and visually impaired individuals worldwide.

The Challenge:

As an emerging start‑up, Tactile Engineering possessed deep technical knowledge gained through extensive research and development of its product. However, the organization was still new to the manufacturing environment, particularly when it came to scaling production. Many early team members joined through personal networks of contacts and, while committed to the mission, did not always have prior manufacturing experience. In addition, several employees who advanced into management roles had done so through internal growth rather than formal training, creating a need for structured skill development to support the company’s expanding operational demands.

The Solution:  

Purdue MEP collaborated closely with Tactile Engineering to develop a tailored suite of training programs designed to address specific gaps within the company’s workforce and operational processes. Delivered over several years and structured to align with Tactile’s schedule, the training covered key areas such as leadership development, Six Sigma, safety practices, and quality standards. To maximize accessibility and impact, Tactile took advantage of a mix of onsite Purdue MEP training and consulting, coupled with publicly delivered workshops, ensuring that employees at all levels could participate and apply their learning directly to their roles.

The Results:

Following Purdue MEP’s training, one of the first initiatives Tactile implemented was the development of more comprehensive and structured documentation, including quality and safety procedures. The company recognized that effective manufacturing relies on repeatable, well-documented processes that allow teams to identify and analyze the root cause of any deviations; they first wanted to see improvements in that area.

Over the course of the years, Purdue MEP’s leadership development training also delivered significant benefits. Participants strengthened essential soft skills, resulting in more confident, capable leaders and team members who communicate more effectively with each other and overall contribute to a more collaborative and productive work environment.

Impact Metrics:

• Increased Manufacturing Capacity – Within the first year of engagement with Purdue MEP, Tactile tripled its manufacturing capacity. This significant improvement was directly influenced by the training and support provided through the partnership.
• Improved Material Performance Through Purdue Expertise – By leveraging resources through Purdue MEP’s TAP InDev program, Tactile was able to access Purdue faculty and graduate students to resolve a critical materials science challenge. As a result of the guidance, an alternative material was identified, reducing average yield losses from 30–40% to below 10%.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement – Leadership development training strengthened employees’ soft skills, leading to noticeable reductions in absenteeism and improved shift coverage. Employees also demonstrated increased ownership by helping to develop new shop floor guidelines, including break schedules and phone‑use policies.

"We’ve always had the motivation and intention to improve our processes, but we did not have a quick path to the formal training and guidance to build the right systems. That gap was perfectly filled by Purdue MEP. I’m grateful for the help they have provided and continue to provide. I highly recommend them to other suppliers and manufacturers within Indiana looking to improve their operations."

- David Schleppenbach, CEO, Tactile Engineering