The New Product Development Design Process: From Concept to Production
Costs. Timeline. Quality. Functionality. Durability. These are commonly the first topics that come up when we engage with customers on a new product development and design. We have worked across multiple industries on the full product lifecycle and all of them share the same steps.
Phase 1: Product Concept
Value engineering creates a road-map for a good idea to become an excellent product. Together, we analyze your ideas, gather information to define functions and analyze costs. We will then create options for advanced product enhancement and incorporate considerations such as design for manufacturing (DFM) and define KPIs for value analysis. This is also the time when we explore efficiencies in both circuit design and components to create a comprehensive path forward.
An inexpensive micro controller can add dozens of additional features to a product without increasing cost.
Phase 2: Product Design
After an analysis of cost versus function we can advance your idea into the design phase and begin designing the PCB layout and solutions for your product.
The emphasis on DFM is heightened during this phase, and component availability heavily influences the requirements. Schematic designs include a thorough review of availability on all circuit parts and electronic sub-assemblies. This simplifies supply chain management allowing continuous and on-time delivery.
Some of the electronic circuit design software and resources we use during this phase include:
- Product Design Value = Function ÷ Cost
- Altium Designer
- Auto CAD Inventor
- Embedded Software
- PCB Layout
- 3D Rendering
- Programmable In-circuit Micro Processors
Although many of our designs are specific for individual customers, our experience allows us to “cut and paste” ideas from previous designs using commonality of proven concepts and reducing new inventory requirements.
Phase 3: Product Prototyping
Following the final engineering review we will produce sample products for hardware/software testing, assembly process verification, quality monitoring, and agency approvals.
Prototypes are manufactured in-house, offering a seamless transition into full-scale production. We produce custom tooling and test fixtures to control cost and reduce lead-time. Our production staff and engineering staff work closely together to ensure our prototype meets your initial specifications and has been designed for manufacturability.
- Process Design
- Software Design
- Tooling
- Fixtures
- Automated Test
- Work Instructions
In-circuit programming offers flexibility for prototyping embedded software.
Phase 4: Product Production
Once production begins, our vertically integrated manufacturing system will produce your assembly on-time and to the highest quality standards you should expect from any electronic product manufacturer. Through automation and continuous process improvement we will reduce lead times, increase quality and control costs on your line. Through the project and into product maintenance and even future redesign of NextGen solutions, our management team will stay committed to making your supply chain more efficient.
- SMT Placement
- Wire Harnesses
- Plastics
- CNC Machining
- Coatings
- Encapsulations
Value engineering processes reduce both time to market and cost.