Before proceeding with full production, product designers and engineers need prototypes to verify product design, manufacturability as well as engineering. However, this can be somewhat challenging and confusing for startups and smaller companies that lack the resources, expertise, and experience that larger firms have, to rapidly develop their prototypes.
In today’s extremely competitive markets, companies must stay relevant and swiftly respond to market demand and speed their time to survive. As we know, prototyping is an important aspect of the whole product lifecycle, and design and manufacturing engineers require prototypes for testing, fit checks, and various technical pre-measures.
One way to assist smaller businesses is to consider outsourcing as a solution. For many products designers around the world, rapid prototyping China-based services are the best option due to low prices and high-quality prototyping solutions.
Below, we look at some of the most important considerations to have when developing your product prototype with an outsource service.
Prototype Capabilities
When working with an outside partner to develop your prototype, you must consider several aspects to make sure that your prototype is done perfectly.
Rather than shipping different parts from different locations and then assembling them in another place, it would be a wise idea to choose a partner who can do everything in one place. You must put effort into finding a partner who’s committed to providing high-quality rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing services, including plastic injection molding, 3D printing, vacuum casting, and CNC machining.
To guarantee prototype security, you must find a reliable company that can do it all. If many people or several companies see the design, there are great chances of prototype design theft and competitors might get access to private and confidential information. The end-to-end prototyping capabilities of your sourcing partner should be your main priority when considering outsourcing prototyping.
For this reason, sign a non-disclosure agreement where you outline how you’re to deal with the intellectual properties created in the project. Most companies are professional when it comes to this, but always protect yourself in case the worst scenario happens, that is, not being able to use the design you’ve already paid for.
Experience and Versatility
You should always choose a reputable company and an experienced team for your prototype project that has a history of working in this field. Do your research and check how long the company has been active in the industry and read any reviews you come across and comments on the technology they use.
Another key factor to consider is the company’s low-volume production versatility. Generally speaking, low-volume products need a company that can handle small production well and effectively. Even when the development time is short, the outsourcing partner should make sure you meet your launch date and the prototype’s manufacturing should always be on time.
Industry Familiarity
You should strive to choose a reliable partner that’s familiar with what your industry manufacturers do. This will help the company focus on your interests and work as hard as possible to get the best outcome with the prototype model.
The experts who’re working in the outsourcing company should be aware of the limitations and strong-holds of the design, materials, and machines that shall be used in the creation process. Having a mutual understanding and speaking the same industry language is both essential and beneficial. Without proper communication, you might fail to achieve the desired results and end up losing in the process.
Prototyping Technology
We are all aware that technology is constantly changing and making new advancements. For this reason, you should ensure that your partnering company can provide more complex, advanced, and top-quality designs.
The best and most advanced technology, along with expert knowledge of it will make it possible for you to go exactly where you want to go with the prototype. When you implement the latest technology, you will be able to enhance your product, make a proper upgrade in the development process and this will ultimately make you recognizable and more trustworthy in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Prototyping is an excellent way to help companies develop and test their products which increases the chances of success once they’re introduced to the market. However, costs, development times, and other procedural obstacles can hamper such projects and outsourcing can be a beneficial solution for companies of different sizes.
Before partnering up with a prototyping outsourcer, do your due diligence and pick the right match for your business and needs. Choose the outsourcers that will help you have better designs, faster service, improved productivity, and insight. This will ultimately help you reach a superior and successful outcome.
