When introducing a new product to the market, there are a lot of different complexities you need to consider. You need to evaluate market competition and validation. You also want to be apprised of all available technology and innovation that currently exists, as well as production scaling in order to ensure the success of your product. New Product Introduction (NPI) is a process that will be especially helpful to you. This is a process that enables new products to be brought successfully to market, and it is vitally important to find a manufacturing partner that can support you through this process. Let’s first investigate more about what NPI manufacturing is, and then we’ll discuss how to evaluate an NPI manufacturing partner – and why Advantage Metal Products might be the best choice for you.
What is Involved in New Product Introduction Manufacturing?
It’s important to understand the NPI process so let’s dive into an overview. A product should first be fully imagined in a detailed design. You can utilize CAD software to do so as that can help with efficient and thorough designs. The design is then transferred to the manufacturing team in order to start the creation process.
During the manufacturing process, the product will undergo rapid prototype testing and validation to see if any necessary adjustments must be made. Process development entails a review and refinement of any processes that must move past the prototype stage and into the production stage, and also allows the team to assign certain tasks to the appropriate people. Capacity planning focuses on a forecast on your anticipated demand so that you can then ready your supply chain to meet that demand.
Continually training the team on new processes that will better serve the product is also a key step in the NPI process. Next, pilot production occurs and then a ramp up of production based on initial results. Throughout the entire process, there is an emphasis on continuous improvement in order to be more efficient and cost-effective as the manufacturing team works to get the product into customers’ hands.
How to Evaluate a New Product Introduction Manufacturing Partner
It’s essential to choose the right NPI manufacturing partner to ensure a successful product. Let’s look at some ways you can evaluate a partner to make sure they are the best fit for you.
First, you must assess their experience and expertise. Advantage Metal Products has recently celebrated 31 years in business, and in that time, we have become leaders in cutting edge precision sheet metal fabrication, machining technology, custom metal engineering services and more. It’s also important that your NPI manufacturing partner has the right technological capabilities and quality management systems necessary to help bring your product to market.
Flexibility and scalability is vital as well, because you want to always continually improve based on market feedback and you want to know that your partner is capable of handling full-scale production. Similarly, it’s important that your partner is able to handle supply chain management and source materials at scale and with cost effectiveness in mind. Geographic location is related to that, because having a partner based in the U.S. will ensure you don’t encounter costly shipping delays.
Your partner must also believe in a collaborative approach, built on strong relationships. Look at the other partnerships your potential supplier might have. For instance, Advantage Metal Products is proud to partner with Megatech, which specializes in rapid prototyping of complex parts. Our partnership enables us to combine our capabilities in order to get you the services you need.
Advantage Metal Products is a Seasoned NPI Manufacturer
It’s evident that Advantage Metal Products has the expertise necessary to be your NPI manufacturing partner. Located in Livermore, CA, our state-of-the art facilities are equipped with advanced technology that enable us to deliver premier precision metal manufacturing and NPI manufacturing services. From engineering support, to custom sheet metal fabrication services, to CNC machining and other value-added services, Advantage Metal Products is the perfect choice for your NPI manufacturing partner. If you’re looking for a partnership that will take your product to the next level, reach out to us now to get started.
