A jack of all trades is a master of none. And along the same lines, it’s nearly impossible for a product design team to have all the expertise and capacity required to get a new product off the ground. That’s where an advanced manufacturing partner with in-house engineering services can enhance your design, improve manufacturability, and get your product to market quicker.
New product introduction support can help you choose suitable materials for your product, identify the optimal converting methods, perform testing, and more. In-house engineers at experienced manufacturers have a first-hand understanding of what works – and what doesn’t – when developing a new product.
Here are some specific product engineering and design services that are available at different stages of the development process.
Research and design consulting services
During the design phase, a manufacturing partner can provide invaluable insights into materials and converting processes. Thinking through these critical areas early in the process can help cut costs, minimize rounds of design and testing, reduce waste, ensure scalable production, and many other benefits. An advanced manufacturer may also have knowledge of innovative materials or access to new technologies that you may not have considered.
New product introduction services during the research and design stage include:
- Graphics assistance/artwork
- CAD drawing
- Specifying operating, electrical, and mechanical requirements
- Design assistance for manufacturability, supply chain, and testing
- Material recommendations and testing
- Manufacturing process development
- Supplier qualification
- Access to university research, science, and IP
Prototyping and testing services
When it comes to the prototyping and testing stage, the name of the game is efficiency. Of course, you want the output to be a high-quality final design and have the data to back it up. But you need to do it as quickly and in as few rounds as possible.
Bringing in a manufacturing partner for testing and prototyping can streamline the process. For example, you may be able to have multiple prototype versions made in a single run to provide better results in less time.
New product introduction services during the research and design stage include:
- Conceptional and functional prototypes
- Testing and measurement services
- Manual and electronic testing
- Material and process enhancement
- Design revisions
- Product improvements
Production and validation services
The last thing you want is to finalize the design of your product only to find out there’s a major barrier to full-scale production. If you’ve been collaborating with your manufacturer partner along the way, you should have the materials and processes in place to start. Your manufacturer can also make your life easier by handling validation (for quality assurance and compliance) and helping with assembly or fulfillment.
New product introduction services during production and validation include:
- Custom ink formulation
- Validation samples for compliance
- Quality assurance
- Assembly and packing options
- Product and process validation services
- Compliance reporting
Choosing a manufacturing partner for new product introduction support
As you can see, the right manufacturing partner can do much more than just “make things.” By working with an advanced manufacturer throughout the process, you can focus on your core competencies and set your new product up for long-term success.
At Tapecon, you could say we have new product introduction support down to a science. Our in-house team offers everything from design services to engineering consulting, including materials selection. Our robust quality management system ensures top-notch precision and consistency from prototyping to full production. Plus, we align our new product introduction support services with the Manufacturing Readiness Level assessment to provide a systematic approach to taking your product from concept to market.
Let’s make something great
With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our new product introduction support services.
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