A Production Run for your project
At the start of a production cycle everyone is still building faith in the product. The Sales staff, The service staff and the customer base. This will of course vary with the the nature and complexity of the product, but small steps at a product launch are not a bad thing. Ideally, the product would be launched in a place not too geographically remote from where the controlling company resides. If new problems or requirements do reveal themselves, then at least it is not too difficult to reach the customer.
Perhaps only a limited number of ten or so units ought form part of the initial launch. The act of producing this first ten units will establish the manufacturing process. It is also useful from a marketing perspective as it gives an opportunity for customer reports and images to be collected of the first few working systems. These pictures and testimonials can then be used for subsequent marketing approaches.
Labeling
Product labeling is often a challenge with new products. If labeling requirements are simple, then these can be produced as Colour-Laser-Print-on-White-Vinyl in small quantities by Alian Electronics as the control system is made. These labels are not hard-wearing or ultraviolet light stable for outdoor use. If the label forms part of a push-button keypad area, or will be exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, then the label should be a tougher Polycarbonate product sourced from a third party printing company. Unfortunately, companies that will provide these services will require minimum runs of say 200 labels. This would be a lot of label to discard if the content of the label is still being finalised and requires changes.
The best advice is to go with the low-cost vinyl labels, with a layer of protective clear film, for the first few units to be produced. At least for the prototypes. If this all seems ok, then proceed to the services of a Label printing company. If Alian Electronics is organising this aspect, then the cost of such services would be listed as a separate item.
Label Artwork
The label artwork may or may not be critical to the product. When a display or a control panel layout is being prepared by Alian Elect., a simple label would be provided made up of standard fonts and a copy of a company logo. If something more substantial by way of graphical design is required, then this task may need to be referred to a specialist.
Packaging
As control modules being manufactured by Alian Elect. are usually a part of a larger system or device, there is generally no advantage in providing the items in separate, glossy packaging. Unless otherwise specified, goods would be provided in protective bubble wrap and stacked in a cardboard carton suitable for domestic mail or courier services.
Where completed cartons of product are under 20kg, these would be dispatched via Australia Post using their Express Overnight service. Postage and freight costs would be itemised separately on a final invoice. Tracking numbers for this would be supplied on demand.
Delivery times
When a company orders a production run of a controller unit, it is not unreasonable to ask how long it is going to take. Generally this will be between 1 and 2 weeks if it is an established design of reasonable turnover, as all critical parts would be held in stock in anticipation. Where orders are more infrequent, delivery would be 3 to 5 weeks to allow for the buy-in of circuit board blanks or more exotic components.
Where the design is a new one, the delivery time would be subject to a separate assessment and quote, as projects with complex circuit board artwork and software add to the development time.
Click here to return to CREATING A NEW PRODUCT
At the start of a production cycle everyone is still building faith in the product. The Sales staff, The service staff and the customer base. This will of course vary with the the nature and complexity of the product, but small steps at a product launch are not a bad thing. Ideally, the product would be launched in a place not too geographically remote from where the controlling company resides. If new problems or requirements do reveal themselves, then at least it is not too difficult to reach the customer.
Perhaps only a limited number of ten or so units ought form part of the initial launch. The act of producing this first ten units will establish the manufacturing process. It is also useful from a marketing perspective as it gives an opportunity for customer reports and images to be collected of the first few working systems. These pictures and testimonials can then be used for subsequent marketing approaches.
Labeling
Product labeling is often a challenge with new products. If labeling requirements are simple, then these can be produced as Colour-Laser-Print-on-White-Vinyl in small quantities by Alian Electronics as the control system is made. These labels are not hard-wearing or ultraviolet light stable for outdoor use. If the label forms part of a push-button keypad area, or will be exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, then the label should be a tougher Polycarbonate product sourced from a third party printing company. Unfortunately, companies that will provide these services will require minimum runs of say 200 labels. This would be a lot of label to discard if the content of the label is still being finalised and requires changes.
The best advice is to go with the low-cost vinyl labels, with a layer of protective clear film, for the first few units to be produced. At least for the prototypes. If this all seems ok, then proceed to the services of a Label printing company. If Alian Electronics is organising this aspect, then the cost of such services would be listed as a separate item.
Label Artwork
The label artwork may or may not be critical to the product. When a display or a control panel layout is being prepared by Alian Elect., a simple label would be provided made up of standard fonts and a copy of a company logo. If something more substantial by way of graphical design is required, then this task may need to be referred to a specialist.
Packaging
As control modules being manufactured by Alian Elect. are usually a part of a larger system or device, there is generally no advantage in providing the items in separate, glossy packaging. Unless otherwise specified, goods would be provided in protective bubble wrap and stacked in a cardboard carton suitable for domestic mail or courier services.
Where completed cartons of product are under 20kg, these would be dispatched via Australia Post using their Express Overnight service. Postage and freight costs would be itemised separately on a final invoice. Tracking numbers for this would be supplied on demand.
Delivery times
When a company orders a production run of a controller unit, it is not unreasonable to ask how long it is going to take. Generally this will be between 1 and 2 weeks if it is an established design of reasonable turnover, as all critical parts would be held in stock in anticipation. Where orders are more infrequent, delivery would be 3 to 5 weeks to allow for the buy-in of circuit board blanks or more exotic components.
Where the design is a new one, the delivery time would be subject to a separate assessment and quote, as projects with complex circuit board artwork and software add to the development time.
Click here to return to CREATING A NEW PRODUCT
