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Review/ Create Plan
Problems do not just happen – they are created. Time and
again, we hear nothing about problems in the early stages, but then “all of a
sudden” problems occur later in the project. We believe this can be avoided by
better planning. Typically, problems are simply not identified when created, and
only turn up later in the project. The key to success is ensuring a
best-in-class review and planning right at the beginning, from the right people
with the right knowledge looking at the right detail. The key is understanding,
respecting and delivering on the design and business concept and intent.
Product development
Whether starting from full product design databases or a
simple “paper napkin sketch”, the key to world-class product development is
quality. Quality does not simply magically appear at the manufacturing stage.
The quality of product architecture and detailed design is what delivers a great
product on time. Detail is key and in-depth knowledge of materials and
manufacturing always contributes to solid product development. Design for
manufacturing, test and cost need be concurrent. PCH offers experienced
engineers with access to the best tools, quick turn rapid prototyping and early
testing, helping to deliver shorter design cycles and discover potential
problems earlier.
Implementation
When the product development cycle is completed successfully,
the result should be absolute predictability in cost and timing for the
implementation stage of the product. Before reaching the implementation stage,
all tooling, assembly, test and QA processes will have been mapped. Being able
to pick and mix from an extensive supply chain of component and assembly
specialist factories, together with best-in-class tool and fixture builders
working in tandem, results in best-in-class manufacturing processes. Comfort
levels are often overlooked during this stage, many might claim they can do it -
but experience will dictate that challenges only go to those who operate in
their comfort levels. This is what is important in creating a successful supply
chain – know the ability and work with people you trust.
Test & Regulatory
Identifying the ultimate product markets
early and knowing the test and regulatory requirements can
be a challenge. Even the big guys struggle sometimes. Design
for test and being able to take product use cases and turn
them into real life tests is important to avoid surprises.
ALT (accelerated life testing) and working closely with
third party regulatory laboratories through the product
development cycle makes for painless product performance and
acquiring the relevant regulatory approvals.
Production
Initial production and ongoing production
have different challenges. Securing component supplies and
capacity, particularly when sell-through volumes are not
clearly defined, requires more work than people realize.
Being able to bring up production against initial product
placement predictions and then maintain these is a constant
challenge in consumer electronics. Having 15 years’
experience and a comprehensive supply chain incorporating
immense diversity is important. Having strong partnership
relationships which have built up over time, combined with a
large book of business, makes for success. Total quality
management is only achieved when all parties are vested in
the success.
Flavor
Reducing production complexity by
separating the task of flavoring product to a second
facility greatly improves flexibility in sell-through.
Flavoring means taking a “vanilla” product from the
factories and conducting configuration as close to the ship
dates as possible, and doing this close to the factories.
This can be as simple as regional packaging or as complex as
software and hardware configuration all the way to
personalization.
Deliver
Often overlooked, delivery of product to
the consumer has become more and more disruptive in the last
number of years. Having delivery models and channels that
can serve B-B (to distributors and retailers) and B-C
(direct to consumers) models to any market region is an
absolute necessity in today’s world.
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