APRIL 20228MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSBy Jeff Kaplan, Corporate Director of Manufacturing Engineering, SpartronicsBEST PRACTICES FOR ESTABLISHING A CLEAR PLAN FROM CONCEPT TO MANUFACTURING WITH THE RIGHT CONTRACT MANUFACTURING PARTNER It's time again. There is so much excitement around your NPI project. That new product is finishing in design, and no one can wait to launch the next steps of the project. Engineering wants to test it, Sales wants to sell it, and your boss wants to ship it. Don't forget that the end user needs this product because it might be a medical device that helps a patient, a defense application which protects our troops, or an application for a commercial airliner in which you could be flying with your family. And everyone is depending on your New Product Introduction (NPI) to finish on time. Speaking of time, aren't you planning that family vacation at the end of the summer which falls right at the end of this project?There is so much to do, and so much must go right, and there is only one shot at success for the product. So what can you do to improve the chances of smooth sailing?First and most important, find ways to reduce uncertainty. Find a way to have a simulation completed if possible. It is a faster option than building a prototype, especially with today's global supply chain challenges. And make sure there is a detailed written plan to deal with the risks identified earlier in the design process. Don't forget to have a solid backup plan for high-risk possibilities too.But what about manufacturing? Make sure you find the right manufacturing partner for your printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). The right partner with proven product development experience can and will help you meet all your unique requirements from engineering services to the manufacturing process. The right partner will ask all the right questions, and most importantly, at the right time. They will offer a value add to your team, helping you accurately assess your product performance compared to design requirements and before production. The right partner will provide suggestions to improve product quality, optimize user experience, and help you understand hazards and risk analysis to ensure efficiency. And the right partner will help deliver HOW IS YOUR NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION (NPI) PROJECT GOING?IN MY OPINIONJeff Kaplan
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