AES Los Angeles 2016
Product Development Super Saturday Session PDSS4
Saturday, October 1, 4:15 pm — 6:00 pm (Rm 402AB)
PDSS4 - Design Validation, Product Verification and Sourcing & Supply Chain
Presenters:Michael Klasco, Menlo Scientific Ltd. - Richmond, CA, USA
Jonathan Novick, Audio Precision - Camarillo, CA, USA
Abstract:
AES Super Session: How to Develop a Killer Audio Product in One Day!
In our last session, the team will discuss how the product moves from the design phase to the production phase. Most product companies have challenges in getting through this phase quickly and without undue stress. Making sure the design is right, it is properly documented and having the right partners is essential to success in getting the product into the customers’ hands.
Design Validation is the phase of development where the design is fully evaluated to make sure that the design can transition to be manufactured in high quantities while adhering to product specifications and costing constraints. Production Verification is where the appropriate systems and controls are put in place to ensure that the production facility, equipment and work force are ready to produce the product to meet customer demand for availability price, quality. Jonathan Novick of Audio Precision will discuss these key topics and how a product can successfully move from design phase to the production phase. He will look at how these are applied to the Speak2Me product and what challenges a product company faces in making sure that a high level of confidence about the product’s ability to perform as expected when it is in the customer’s hands.
Sourcing and Supply Chain today has evolved tremendously over the past 15 years. Audio products have morphed from separate components to integrated solutions of analog and digital electronics, wireless, speakers and enclosures and the factories and their support teams have also evolved to support these products.
There is a lot more to getting a product into production than sending out a bid and picking the lowest cost producer. Timing of vendor selection is often early on in the process to get the sign on of the vendor team and to insure the development of a product that fits both the brand’s and factory fabrication processes. Product price points and quality, projected quantities, ability and speed to ramp up production, are just some of the selection criteria. Much of the heavy lifting in product development as well as design for manufacturability are often the responsibility of the vendor with oversight by the Brand.
Mike Klasco with Menlo Scientific, who has been involved with product development and international factory selection for over 30 years. Mike will discuss specifically how he addresses bringing the Speak2Me to market and the roles that the Sourcing and Supply Chain people must perform to ensure product and market success today.