You’re creating the idea for the product or service. Developing the breadboard and prototype key aspects of the product to vet for feasibility.
You are defining the product features, technical specification and the market fit. Building the first prototype of the product with very rough architecture.
After your refinement of the initial prototype through multiple iterations, your fully integrated working prototype within the final industrial design (looks like / works like) should be finalized and complete.
Ideally you’re integrating Design for Manufacturing (and Assembly) early on during this process. Final details and quality plans should be implemented to ensure the product can be produced and assembled at scale.
You have your complete design package (BOM/CAD) ready and initial volumes are set. Finding the appropriate contract manufacturing partner to produce your product based on your needs and their capabilities/expertise.
Your product is in production currently, or has been in production previously through small batch runs. Optimization may occur or an audit of existing processes so you can continue to scale.
Each of our manufacturing solutions are customized engagements that take into consideration the complexity or challenges of your product and business. Whether you need a one-on-one engagement for a quick gut check on your path to manufacturing, or full time support as a manufacturing partner and extension of your team, we’ve got you covered.
A review of your current manufacturing stage of development along with an "action plan" to help you navigate your next milestones as you get manufacturing-ready. Manufacturing Strategy Sessions are good for products who need a gut check on their progress without full-time commitment.
A detailed look at the Bill of Materials (BOM) to create an estimate of the total cost of delivery. The goal is to understand the potential range of costs based on the experience of the Dragon team, estimates based on proxy products, and focused research on limited critical components. This information enables teams to better understand pricing and to make tradeoffs on costs vs. features. Suitable for companies trying to establish a budget.
A detailed design for manufacturing review of the 3D model with the emphasis on manufacturing process, materials, and assembly with the goal of identifying any areas in the design that would hinder high volume manufacturability. Designed for companies looking to finalize their prototype design.
Customized engagement led by a senior Dragon team member to help companies prepare for manufacturing. Strategies on balancing the Iron Triangle (cost, quality and schedule), understanding and preparing for the ”unknown unknowns”, building an internal team, weighing the tradeoffs of where to manufacture, best practices to communicate with vendors and the factory, as well as other critical topics.
Designed for companies in need of limited sourcing support who can provide either manufacturer and part numbers or direct comparable parts. Includes access and introductions to Dragon’s global network of suppliers, pricing negotiation, document translation, and sample procurement.
A customizable engagement designed for companies preparing for high-volume production that want or require more hands-on oversight leading into production. Traditional activities include: Cost Estimates performed at key milestones, Cost Reduction Support, DFM reviews performed at key milestones, Sourcing support, and overall Manufacturing Strategy and Guidance.
A visit and assessment of your proposed or chosen contract manufacturing partner for the purposes of inspecting and auditing their physical facility and manufacturing processes including; all facilities, assembly and sub-assembly processes, final inspection, shipment, Quality and Test department capabilities. A full report with recommendations provided upon completion of inspection.
Using the Dragon Standard Quality Plan and protocols, in conjunction with any existing quality plans or tests/test plans, we will work with you to understand your specific product needs and translate these into a custom quality plan. Activities include an in-depth review of the following test areas: Durability, Transportation, Life Testing specification, HALT/HASS (accelerated life test and stress test), Verification/Validation, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL), PCBA, Functional, Aesthetic, Ongoing Production testing, Packaging, and Shipment Audits.
A customizable engagement designed for companies without a standardized regulatory process; requiring better support for compliance documentation; and/or definition of current non-conformities and action plan(s) to become compliant for all markets.
Using Dragon’s proven framework for factory selection supported by our global factory database, we will take you through a competitive quoting process in order to help you select a qualified and vetted Contract Manufacturing Partner.
A Far East-based (English-Speaking) Engineer will be assigned to your team as the main point of contact to oversee, monitor and implement the activities at the factory, on either a part-time or full-time basis. Activities include but are not limited to: monitoring schedules (lead times) and production order status, driving improvements in the factory QA and QC, troubleshooting technical, sourcing, and supply chain issues, working with the factory to implement engineering and cost reduction changes, and managing emergency situations.
Designed for companies in need of unbiased third-party quality review of assembled product prior to shipment.
Designed for companies who require limited per-diem support (translation, meeting accompaniment, etc)
Don’t see an engagement that fits your needs? We’re happy to discuss and put together a customized engagement specifically tailored to your current challenges and milestones.
“ During the final stages of product design, we had the Dragon team come in to assess manufacturability and assembly. Dragon Innovation can act as a trail guide to help navigate the decisions and drama of producing hardware. ”
Bre Pettis | CEO, MakerBot
“ Dragon made our factory selection process much less overwhelming and gave us confidence that we found the right manufacturing partner. It’s hard to imagine finding the right factory without Dragon guiding us through the process. ”
Joe Pinkerton | CEO, Clean Energy Labs