Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
12.
Accelerate from Making to Manufacturing
Matt Bolton
“Necessity is the mother of all invention.”
—English proverb
Manufacturing a product—any product—is a great challenge, but one that can be highly re-
warding. There is something wonderful to be said about retaining full control of your
designs, from concept to customer delivery. Retaining full control allows you to open
source not only the design but also the process for mass producing that design. Working
side by side with your manufacturing team is likely to produce innovative improvements to
your designs as the manufacturer, with a vested interest in your product, develops more ef-
ficient assembly methods and discovers tiny design defects that are reported directly back
to you.
Once written off as simply a nostalgic element of America's past, manufacturing has be-
come possible in the United States once again thanks to the reduced cost of entry-level
equipment; the shift in consumer desires to more customized, niche products that do not re-
quire high-volume manufacturing on a grand scale; and a strong desire within many organ-
izations to live out their do-it-yourself (DIY) dreams.
One thing to be aware of when committing to fully owning the manufacturing of your
product is the fact that manufacturing is likely to be the most costly part of all hardware
design and distribution. Many people often underestimate this cost. When said out loud, the
expense linked to this step sounds entirely logical; however, many hardware start-ups, time
after time, make the mistake of not planning a sufficient amount of capital for all of the ex-
penses involved with building up their product design(s) at an acceptable quality level and
in ample quantities. Be prepared for manufacturing to cost more than you originally
thought.
Many local contract manufacturers are highly skilled and would make excellent partners
should you choose to lean on someone else to help you manufacture your design(s).
Regardless of whether you choose to manufacture your own product or outsource that step,
a large number of detailed checklists must be worked through before your product is ready
to be shipped out to the excited masses awaiting your latest and greatest innovation.
