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 problems to make it into production and force such a huge recall, and what can we learn from this example? According to the Sofeast group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, issues like this often originate during the DVT stage of the NPI process … [Read more...]
What is the product return rate and how to reduce it? [Podcast]
![What is the product return rate and how to reduce it? [Podcast]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WhatistheproductreturnrateandhowtoreduceitPodcast-1140x445.jpeg)
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 start to receive product returns, he also gives you a 6-step process you can follow to categorize the issues, focus on the most important, fix them, and monitor to see if the fix is working. Product returns are bad news as they may show that something is … [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 a great reminder for anyone who's currently developing a new product and values reducing risks! Just hit the play button to start listening..! Listen to the episode right here 👇👇👇 🎧 The One ’MUST DO’ Before Mass Producing Your New Product (Feat. … [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 mold, that might work. But, when different fabrication processes are involved to create custom parts (e.g. extruding the aluminum enclosure in just the right shape) and make them look nice (e.g. powder-coating it in just the right shade of grey), it gets … [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 entrepreneurs sometimes don't realise the importance of the NPI phases and their Chinese manufacturers would prefer to rush into mass production (so they can ship and get paid) rather than following an NPI process or by skipping some of its key phases. This is a … [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 managing the way rework is done and planning a re-inspection is never a pleasing experience for the buyer. It looks straightforward (see below), but in reality, it is often a tense negotiation between the buyer and the seller: How to avoid … [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 before production, and enjoy lower unit costs? Here are some examples of where this tradeoff is evident. … [Read more...]
A Textbook on Design for Manufacturing and the NPI Process (EVT-DVT-PVT)
I am halfway through this book and I thought many readers would enjoy it: Product Realization: Going from One to a Million by Anna C. Thornton. Here is the book's presentation by its publisher: Product Realization: Going from One to a Million delivers a comprehensive treatment of the entire product launch process from beginning to end. Drawing upon the author's extensive first-hand experience with dozens of successful product launches, the book explores the process of bringing a design from … [Read more...]
Analyzing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits [Podcast]
![Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits [Podcast]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AnalysingtheNPINewProductIntroductionProcessitsBenefitsPodcast-1140x445.jpg)
What is the new product introduction process? The new product introduction process is: A complete blueprint that takes an idea through various structured phases and that results in a finished product being launched into the marketplace. This process is driven and managed by a cross-functional team that keeps a check on every aspect of the project. The different phases are controlled by approval gates which ensure the project has met specific criteria before moving onto the next phase in … [Read more...]