Phase 1 requires clear identification of the idea, goals and objectives, and timeline. This includes determining feasibility of the idea through research, including performance requirements and possible regulations that may apply. Using our 20+ years of experience in developing solutions, we will advise you of our findings and develop a product performance specification that identifies specific architectural, detailed design, functional, and regulatory requirements to ensure your product is engineered and manufactured to meet or exceed your goals. We will also use this information to create a product development plan with cost information to make your product a reality.

Phase 2 begins with development of ideas, which in turn becomes concept sketches (CAD models) illustrating potential solutions. Our Concept solution will include high-level, inter-connect diagrams, a preliminary Bill of Materials (BOM), analysis of materials and components, regulatory compliance matrix, and branding to meet your objectives. This phase culminates in a Concept Review and update of documents incorporating your comments and feedback.

Phase 3 begins detailed engineering and design. Building on the Concept Design sketches, engineering incorporates details such as architectural, functional, and compliance requirements into the design and detailed CAD models and Bill of Materials (BOM). The detailed design phase is where the majority of the engineering effort is spent in developing the product.

Phase 4 begins with turning innovative engineered solid models into a partial or fully functional prototype unit. This can be achieved using any one of the SLA processes or simply having prototype metal or plastics manufactured. The intent of the prototype is to validate the design intent. Prototypes can also be utilized as a valuable marketing tool to launch an early product at a trade show or to gain budgetary support internally. In our prototyping environment, technicians, mechanical and hardware engineers will build the prototype to verify the design, conduct a "fit" check, validate/ update assembly instructions, and verify functionality. Our Compliance Engineers will then use the prototypes for early compliance pre-scan testing at a certified test lab. Based on verification and test results, the engineering documents will be updated for use in the pilot build.

Phase 5 prepares all documentation, equipment, and coordinates testing at a certified test laboratory. The Compliance Engineer will ensure that all design documents, such as assembly drawings, schematics, and bill or materials (BOMs) are complete; test plans and test procedures are complete; and manuals that detail installation, setup, and operation procedures, including warnings and cautions are complete and ready for review. A certified Lab will review all of the above documentation and our Compliance Engineer will support the review as needed. Manuals and test plans and procedures will be used throughout testing by both the Lab and our Compliance Engineer. The Compliance Engineer will also ensure that prototypes and ancillary support equipment is identified and provided to the Lab according to schedule. Throughout this phase we will provide testing, logistical, and troubleshooting support as necessary for a successful testing program at the testing laboratory. This will include monitoring the testing as required, responding to the proposed lab requirements, and providing functional support required at the lab during testing.

Phase 6 is a pre-production transition phase to ensure that the product is designed for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA), and to ensure all product-related documentation and supply chain information has been formally transferred to Configuration Management (CM). We begin with a review of all documentation in an effort to minimize assembly costs, maximize manufacturability, and plan for testing, tooling, and material purchasing. This includes qualifying contract manufacturers, component sourcing, documentation control, and change management control and test fixture development. After identifying improvements and updating documentation, we validate the production process through a pilot run where we begin transitioning your product from pilot (First Article) to full-scale, low volume production (LVP).

Phase 7 is a pre-production transition phase to ensure that both the product Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) criteria has been met, and also to ensure all product related documentation and supply chain information has been formally transferred to Configuration Management (CM). During this transition phase, our NPI team will transition a product from prototype to full-scale, low volume, pilot ready builds. This includes qualifying contract manufacturers, supply chain sourcing, continued DFMA studies, documentation control, and change management control and test fixture development. This phase is especially important for those transitioning a product or portion of a product for overseas production. Again, all Intellectual Property (IP) is a deliverable to our clients.

Phase 8 begins the low volume production (LVP) phase where we assemble, build, verify, and test multiple units. Materials are sourced, received, and verified before kitting and storing for production. As units are assembled, they are tracked and verified at critical points in the production cycle that culminate in a final visual check and functional test. Our process incorporates Quality Assurance (QA) throughout the build process to ensure all specified requirements are met before a unit is packed in protective material and shipped to our customers. Our technicians are certified, and we have incorporated our Counterfeit Electronics Part Policy into our ISO Quality System.