Prototype Development

We integrate the design work, including electronics, the mechanical parts, the firmware, and, if needed, also the mobile app.

In particular, software/hardware integration is sometimes a complex topic. Having two separate teams located in different countries try to sync their efforts can be very inefficient.

Also, having the PCB designer agree with the industrial/mechanical designer can be a challenge when miniaturization is an important objective.

One alternative option is to look for a manufacturer and to give them this type of prototyping work.

Typical downsides with Shenzhen suppliers are:

• Longer lead times: While every day counts for your project to get on the market
• Lack of transparency into your supply chain: Sources of materials and components won’t be disclosed
• Your IP won’t be yours: Any engineering work will be considered the supplier’s property by default
• A good manufacturer might have poor development capabilities, and vice versa

Each project is different, but most require us to:

• Analyze the initial design and think of potential issues
• Break it down to the small details, so there is a bill of materials
• Search and procure those materials, sometimes from overseas (we have an import license)
• Assemble the product in our own facility
• Give overall feedback for the designers to prioritize improvement themes
• Ship the product(s)

You can see how prototype development fits into NPI, and the milestones that we will typically work to, in this graphic:

Watch this video where we talk you through each section of the NPI process we follow in detail:

A project manager keeps you posted all along on a web-based collaboration software such as Trello or Asana. You get the full bill of materials (list of suppliers, price…). Our engineers and designers give you feedback on the product design, in order to help you reduce risks of mass production not hitting your objectives (quality, cost, or timing). And, of course, you receive your prototype.