We tackle the big question of cost versus quality in manufacturing. Aside from what this concept means, we look at the rather surprising (for foreigners, at least) Chinese attitude about how quality is linked to price, why lean … [Read more...]
7 Must Do New Product Introduction Tasks For Successful Product Launches
Andrew Amirnovin, our group's Head of Compliance and Reliability, kicks off 2024 by introducing 7 key elements of the New Product Introduction process that you need to understand as they will help ensure a successful product launch, but … [Read more...]
The TRL Framework: The right choice for mass production?
The Technology Readiness Levels product development framework was developed by NASA and is often used to gauge the progress of a new product launch project, especially during prototyping. It gives visibility and control over the process of … [Read more...]
Why DVT & PVT Mistakes Could Cause A Product Recall!
Electronics giant Philips has been in the news due to a billion-dollar recall of medical devices (ventilators and sleep apnea machines) that have, unfortunately, resulted in deaths and injuries. What could have caused such serious … [Read more...]
What is the product return rate and how to reduce it? [Podcast]
In this episode… The Sofeast Group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin explores what the product return rate is and provides advice you can take to reduce yours before you even start mass producing your product. If you do … [Read more...]
Do THIS Before You Start Mass Production! [Podcast]
In this episode… Sofeast's head of New Product Development joins Adrian to talk about the NPI process for getting a new product to market and, in particular, the one key thing you need to do before you start mass production. This is … [Read more...]
Going from 1 Prototype to Mass Production directly is Dangerous
"Can we go directly from 1 prototype to mass production? After all, if they can make 1 good piece, surely they can make 10,000 good pieces?" Well, not really. When it comes to 3D printed parts or a product that comes entirely out of a … [Read more...]
Why Skipping NPI Phases Is A Big Mistake [Podcast]
In this episode… The New Product Introduction process is absolutely central to what we do and provides a solid framework for bringing a product to market 'the right way' from concept to mass production. However, SMEs and … [Read more...]
What Is Good Quality Assurance For Importers Buying In China?
A client was interested in product inspections, and they asked: Do you also offer a post-inspection service, for cases where the results are not ideal? That got me thinking. The answer is simple, yes, we can keep following up, but … [Read more...]
NPI Cost vs. Production Unit Cost: What To Optimize For?
When developing a new electro-mechanical product, there is a tradeoff: Do you want to spend less time & money before production (during the NPI process), and suffer higher costs for each unit made? Or do you want to invest more … [Read more...]