In product development, many product issues do not originate when you produce the product; they originate in design decisions made before a factory is ever involved. Choices around part materials, fastening methods, tolerances, PCB layout, and internal structure all have consequences that show up down the line. Yet in many organizations, manufacturing input is still introduced too late in the process. This gap has led to the growing use of JDM suppliers, or Joint Development

It’s no surprise that companies have been re-evaluating their supply chains. Surprisingly, it’s not just companies exporting to the United States that are looking for other options. Companies exporting to Europe, Australia, and other markets are also evaluating how to build greater resilience into their production strategy. Tariffs, shifting trade policies, and geopolitical uncertainty have prompted global manufacturers to assess whether they should continue relying heavily o

The famous quote, “the only constant in life is change,” is also true for a product's design. Very rarely will you have a design that never goes through any changes. As you move through development and into production, you will often discover opportunities to improve performance, reduce cost, address quality issues, or adapt to new supply chain realities. These changes may be necessary, but implementing them directly on the factory floor without structure can lead to confusio

When you are designing a part, the finish is one of the more important decisions made, as it has a major impact on how your product looks and is perceived by the customer. On top of looks, the right surface finish can improve corrosion resistance, durability, and wear resistance. It can also enhance the appearance of the product, whether you want a glossy color, a matte industrial look, or a clean metallic surface. Among the most common finishing methods used in manufacturing

A strong contract manufacturing partnership doesn’t happen by luck. It’s something you build through transparency and shared values. When a brand and a contract manufacturer work together over the long term, both sides benefit: product quality improves, timelines become more predictable, pricing becomes more stable, and the manufacturing process itself becomes more efficient. Yet many companies approach contract manufacturers in a purely transactional way. They send drawings,

Chinese New Year might seem far away, but in manufacturing terms, 100 days is a blink of an eye. For many companies, that’s not enough time to move through DFM, build prototypes, open tools, and complete a pilot run before the shutdown begins. This is why now (late October) is the critical moment to plan your production and logistics strategy. This is where planning your manufacturing strategy around the Chinese New Year becomes important. Even if your products are assembled

As robotics companies move from prototyping to production, one question they need to answer is whether to assemble their products in-house or outsource to a contract manufacturer. This decision shapes not only cost and lead time but also how scalable, reliable, and competitive their business can become. In-house assembly can offer tighter control and a direct connection between engineering and production. On the other hand, outsourcing assembly to an experienced manufacturing

In manufacturing, even small failures can lead to extended lead times and costly rework. That’s why the best contract manufacturers do not wait for issues to arrive, they are proactive about finding them. PFMEA, or Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, is a structured tool that helps identify and address potential risks in a production process before they impact output. Unlike traditional quality checks that happen after production, PFMEA focuses on preventing problems a

Many companies have hit a breaking point with the ongoing tension between China and the U.S. As tariffs, trade restrictions, and political uncertainty continue to rise, they’ve been forced to migrate part or all of their production to other countries. Thailand has quickly become an option where companies can diversify their supply chain.  For global sourcing, engineers, and supply chain teams, their first real test of manufacturing in Thailand comes in the form of a pilot run

For many companies, the NPI (New Product Introduction) stage has always been about developing and launching something new. But lately, supply chain diversification has come up a lot during NPI. You would understand that this is the case for brands shipping to the US. But what we have seen is that there are many other companies that ship to Europe, Australia, and other regions that are also looking to diversify their supply chain. Companies have taken this as an opportunity to