Phase 10: Production

Michael Wilkinson, October 25, 2022

Paragon Innovations’ Series:

12-Stage Product Development Process

From Start to Success

In Phase 9, Paragon Innovation’s 12-Stage Product Development Course provided everything developers need to know about successfully marketing their product. In the next stage, Phase 10, developers have entered into final production processes. The production phase may seem straightforward but ensuring production success depends on the sturdy framework you have built throughout your product development process.

Beginning a Production Run

In this phase, developers will have previously addressed any electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing issues to produce a fully working unit. In order to begin a production run, developers need to have their finalized computer-aided design (CAD) files. According to Paragon Innovation’s General Manager and Founder, Mike Wilkinson, a CAD file involves “every aspect of [your] product. That’s the schematic. That’s the layout. That’s the solidworks.” A CAD file includes all the mechanical files, source code, and everything a contract manufacturer needs to produce a device.

Once developers have entered into their production phase, they are producing units, shipping units, and maneuvering the supply chain. As customers begin receiving units, it is more important than ever that developers focus on providing excellent customer service. One bad review can make or break a product’s rate of success.

What is a Contract Manufacturer?

Developers can utilize the help of a contract manufacturer for the production of their units. A contract manufacturer is a way of outsourcing manufacturing to a third party that is set up for volume manufacturing. There are many different types of contract manufacturers that produce items like commuter rail lines, rubber products, heavy machinery, plastic injection molding, industrial electronics, and much more.

Mike at Paragon Innovations suggests that developers involve at least two contract manufacturers as their production volume increases. There are a number of reasons why developers might add a second contract manufacturer:

• Changes may need to be made in production surrounding a obsolete parts. It’s a good idea to have a second contract manufacturer that can begin producing units with required updates as soon as possible.
• A second contract manufacturer in a different location expands a product’s footprint. Having a manufacturer in a second location allows for ease in supply chain and logistics.
• Incorporating a second contract manufacturer is cost-effective in that developers can have options if manufacturing rates are changed or increased.  

Paragon Innovation’s Documentation Offerings

As an experienced and reputable design engineering services firm, Paragon Innovation’s supplies their clients with an all-in-one documentation package that includes finalized software, CAD drawings, and all of the tools developers need to digitally capture their product. In Mike’s words, “We believe [that] he who pays owns.” Developers will benefit from Paragon Innovation’s expert engineering design services.

As production begins, inventors may tend to think that their work is done. While their product’s design process is winding down, there’s still more that needs to be accomplished. Stay tuned for Paragon Innovation’s next phase in there 12-Stage Product Development Course where they the inner workings of post-production!