Circuit prototyping used to be a long and difficult process with each iteration taking several weeks or more depending on the design. Since most labs didn’t have their own advanced PCB assembly equipment, engineers used basic boards and equipment to test their designs. The results weren’t always reliable since these lacked polish and accuracy. Only the final prototypes and products would have their own quality PCBs because of the cost. Now even early prototypes can have the VIP treatment. In fact, fast prototype PCB assembly is widely available today at a low cost. People can order online and get the pieces delivered within days. Thanks to this speed, engineers are able to do the following:
Find and Fix Problems Quicker
No design is perfect. Initial designs are particularly prone to flaws. Although these are tested through the software, you still can’t tell whether it will work 100% once translated into hardware. Some components might suddenly overheat. Port placement might prove to be impractical. The whole thing might not work or it might exhibit erratic behaviors. Or it might work as intended but certain optimizations can still take place. Several prototypes will have to be made after analyzing mistakes and improving the design. If assembly time can be shortened between each iteration, then the entire phase can finish quicker than usual.
Adhere to Timelines and Reduce Costs
Every project needs to adhere to the timeline submitted because several people depend on this. The manufacturing, marketing, and distribution teams are on standby. Even the customer support teams will be trained about the new products prior to their launch. Any delays will ripple across the whole business operations. These will also result in greater costs since more will have to be poured into research and development until things are completed. Larger companies may be able to absorb this financial strain but smaller businesses are operating on fewer resources so they have to be more careful.
Beat Competitors to the Market
Fast prototype PCB assembly helps the project move closer to completion. This may enable them to beat competitors to the market and get first mover advantage. The industry will recognize their innovations and their brand will gain greater respect. At the very least, they will not fall behind their rivals. They can release products as scheduled for optimum sales depending on the category. For example, new student-focused laptops are released shortly before schools open. Other products may be launched around the end of the year to make it into holiday shopping lists.
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