THE INDUSTRIALIZATION OF PRODUCTS

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Going from thought to action requires the fulfillment of a series of consecutive steps from which no one (or almost) can exempt. Having acknowledged, after having carried out the necessary analyzes, that the idea and the product are attractive to the market, we must undertake the path of industrialization that will lead to production and, subsequently, to marketing.

Technical drawings, design, simulations, tests, etc. these are all actions that are part of the industrialization process. This term indicates an approach to design that takes into account not only the functional specifications, the application context and the design of the product, but also the possible construction technologies (foresee the feasibility of realization using the technology chosen to produce it).

The design and consequent industrialization of the product temporally precede the actual production and are vital steps, as they are the first that highlight the real costs of the product and the way in which the different variables (construction technique, materials, finishes, etc. ) can affect the final price.

 

BASIC ASPECTS

Changing a project in the industrialization phase, if necessary, is much less expensive than changing a product already built, if not even in the production phase. The design may need to be guided to deal with the associated investments, to understand if the level of automation that can be used for the construction of the product is adequate for the sales cost and the expected volumes, to check if the levels of innovation in the product and in the process are significant or to verify if there is an adequate production capacity in terms of quality. All this because if you want to reach the customer's expectations (quality, cost, service) it is essential that the design is excellent.

Designing a product with an excellent quality perceived by the customer (both in terms of functions and aesthetics) but difficult to realize in the production phase would mean being faced with a bad project: in fact, it would not achieve the correct economic and image for the company.

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PROTOTYPES

After design and industrialization, prototypes are of primary importance.

Realizable in different materials and with multiple techniques, these allow you to move from the abstraction of the conceived object to the concreteness of the physical product, thus allowing a series of evaluations and considerations unthinkable during the design phase: is it too big? Is the handle uncomfortable? Is the disassembly intuitive? Is it likely to be too heavy?

The prototype can be conceptual, functional or technical, and in any case it is able to perform different functions in the company: it can be used to evaluate costs, cycle times, market response and many other parameters. The prototype is not a necessity felt only by modern companies: since ancient times, in fact, when one could only rely on paper and drawing tools, the creation of a prototype allowed important observations to be made on the current project.

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3D PRINTING

Thanks to its versatility and the ability to create prototypes and customizable products quickly and at limited costs, 3D printing has known a very fast spread, with a market growth that seems unstoppable: by many it is considered the bearer of a new industrial revolution. also laying the foundations for the creation of an economic model centered on self-production.

In reality, 3D printing applied to prototyping has existed for about 30 years but in the last period two interesting changes have occurred that have contributed to its rapid spread with a new and fundamental importance: on the one hand, very low 3D printers have entered the market. cost and accessible to all companies. On the other hand, extremely expensive industrial machines capable of producing metal objects (from steel to titanium to new alloys) have spread on the market. In addition to low costs and a negligible timing, a further advantage of 3D printing is to make the production cycle that leads to the creation of a product more efficient.

 

PRODUCTION: WHO DO I CONTACT?

Once all the previous phases and industrialization have been overcome, the great knot of production remains. The decision to produce in-house makes it necessary to equip a factory, stock up on suitable machinery, hire staff.

This option is obviously easier if you already have an industrial structure to exploit but due to the large capital required, it is generally preferred to outsource production.

The choice of the supplier is another essential aspect that affects the ability to meet the needs of future customers, which is why it is essential to build a relationship of trust and collaboration over time. It is fair to point out that the supplier can be, or become, a partner. Involving an industrial partner in the launch of a new product brings enormous benefits if you are not familiar with business dynamics, production plants or sufficient capital.

When there are suppliers who procure goods or services that are really necessary for the success of the business, relations with them need to be intensified. A strong business relationship can benefit both of you: demonstrating to your suppliers how important they are to the company is a good way to ensure that they do their utmost to provide the best possible service. When choosing a supplier, at least two aspects must be considered: what the production process of the product we want to launch actually requires (what technologies are needed, what type of materials must be treated, etc.); what are the goals you want to achieve.

Quality and an affordable price are therefore not the only factors to consider when choosing a supplier. The starting point must be the analysis of the needs of the customers to be satisfied and the correct identification of the characteristics of the product / service that represent their competitive advantage over existing competitors. Based on these considerations, the criteria on which to search for the right suppliers change.

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PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

1. If reducing the time it takes to serve and satisfy your customers is what sets you apart and qualifies you from your competitors, suppliers that offer you fast and reliable delivery will be preferable to those that only offer you a good price.

2. If, on the other hand, your strategy is aimed at guaranteeing a higher quality product / service than your competitors, you will obviously have to focus on the qualitative aspect of the supplies.

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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD INDUSTRIAL PARTNER

A good supplier must be able to collaborate when possible in the industrialization process and demonstrate that they can provide the following benefits:

• quality and reliability: the quality of the raw materials used must be high; in fact, customers associate poor quality with the entrepreneur and not with suppliers. Likewise, if the supplier betrays the expectations with a late delivery or with defective goods, the company will be the one to disregard the expectations of its customers;

• speed and flexibility: making small and frequent orders can save the company the need to have a large warehouse; flexible suppliers can help give quick responses to any changes in customer demand or sudden emergencies;

• the right price: the lowest price is not always the best. If you expect quality and reliability from your suppliers, you need to decide how much you are willing to pay for the materials you need and for the balance you want to achieve between cost, reliability, quality and service;

• good interpersonal skills: the best suppliers are those who want to communicate regularly with the entrepreneur to understand what he needs now and what he may need in the future, with direct effects on the company's ability to meet the needs of its own customers and to remedy any critical issues.

• financial security: it is always advisable to make sure that your supplier has a strong financial solidity in order to be able to purchase what you need and supply on time, when you need it; a check on their financial strength can reassure them that they won't go bankrupt just when you need them most.