- Carefully define design requirements with the product team
- Develop specifications
- Gather market data and review this data with the department, so everyone is in the loop
- Select the proper technology to complete the design
- Determine the most cost-effective and efficient route to achieve the design
- Complete a working prototype
Blog Articles
Improving Design & Manufacturing Team Collaboration
Many electronics manufacturers tend to compartmentalize or silo their departments, such as designing team vs. assembly-related functions. Design directly affects them all, which means manufacturing costs are ultimately reflections of both the design and engineering methods used to create the products. The relationship between design and manufacturing can often be disconnected or otherwise poor, which stalls productivity and increases bottom-line costs. By identifying and addressing these gaps, this financial issue can be reduced and profitability increased. Profitability can grow even more when the design process is as streamlined as possible. Having a specific methodology of principles and steps, the design team can envision a quality product at a lower cost. In turn, this can help the manufacturing department be more efficient.
A lack of communication and respect can lead to higher costs. If the absence of respect leads to the two departments demeaning each other’s work, the issue can involve much more. Not being confident in one another can lead to quality issues that later translate into reduced sales. When such conflicts occur, it’s best for management not to take sides. When finger-pointing, squabbles, and other disagreements come about, it’s time to resolve the underlying issues. While the design department is important to manufacturing and assembly, manufacturing and assembly are likewise vital for bringing the design to life and creating a viable, reliable product.
Staying on the Same Page
Not being on the same page can become costly down the line. Every team member needs to understand that everyone is working in the overall best interest of the company and that top performance from both teams is necessary, especially for the design team to understand the profound impact the designs have on the costs of manufacturing. Eliminating the need for revisions because each saves money. Using a collaborative approach among design, engineering, and manufacturing teams can produce valuable innovations. Designers learn to create products that use the least number of parts without sacrificing quality or functionality. The following are elements from product conception to incubation that will help streamline the process and increase profitability: