AES Los Angeles 2014
Product Design Track Event PD10
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am — 10:30 am (Room 402 AB)
Product Design: PD10 - Selecting and Winning with Global Partners
Presenter:Chris von Hellman, Tymphany
Abstract:
Today's global economy presents a myriad of options in developing and delivering audio products. Most companies are engaged with some combination of: 1) Contract Manufacturers, 2) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), 3) Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), 4) Design Engineering Companies, 5) Industrial Design Firms, 6) Market Research Firms.
Market acceptance, time to market, and cost margin are the critical measures of a product?s success. To achieve this, product management and engineering today must select and partner with the right combination of these organizations and the ones that best fit both partners' goals. Simply sending bids out to prospective suppliers will not suffice in today's highly competitive world. There are many dimensions beyond product cost that must be considered some more tangible than others. A spreadsheet should not be making such a critical decision.
The presenter will lead a discussion about the details of how to select and work with these partners that leads to a long term and highly successful relationship. This will include the following topics: 1) What type of partner do you need? 2) How to we find the right partner? 3) How do we structure the relationship? 4) What are the keys to minimizing risk? 5) Can we work without finger pointing? 6) How do we protect our intellectual property, uniqueness and brand equity? 7) What needs to change about our company to ensure success with development partners?
The presenter will discuss how a company can leverage its core competencies by selecting partners whose capabilities and competencies are complimentary. The resulting partnership enables the company's products to maximize the value of internal and external assets, resources and skill sets.
