If you’re looking to start your own business, manufacturing and selling your product might be just the opportunity you’re looking for. However, to get this dream off the ground, you’ll need to understand the outsourced manufacturing process and what it involves. The different aspects of the outsourced manufacturing process include choosing your manufacturer, getting your files ready, shipping your product and marketing your business once you’re up and running. Let’s look at each of these processes in more detail!
1) Prototyping
Prototyping is a key aspect of designing a product that will later be mass-produced in a factory. Designers use prototyping to test different versions of their product with consumers to see which design they prefer. Consumers are typically asked to fill out surveys after testing prototypes, and comments from these surveys often lead designers to make changes in how their prototype looks or works. In some cases, new designs are tested with consumers before designers have manufactured any parts for them—this is known as rapid prototyping. Prototyping helps ensure that products are practical, effective and aesthetically pleasing before manufacturers invest time and money into producing them en masse.
2) Rapid Manufacture
Rapid manufacture is a manufacturing process that allows for near-instantaneous production. In rapid manufacture, a 3D printer creates layers of material, one at a time, which can be used to print objects directly from a computer file. With rapid manufacture, businesses can create prototypes and then produce them in large quantities if they receive approval from consumers or investors. Rapid manufacture saves time and money compared to other processes because it minimizes human error and doesn’t require any extra equipment. This method is ideal for making small batches of items or producing items with unique designs or materials.
3) Long Term Contract
When you work with a contract manufacturer, they will help you to produce your products in large quantities. This is usually for long term contracts. The benefits of working with a contract manufacturer include quick time to market and reduced costs. However, there are also downsides to working with a contract manufacturer. These include loss of ownership over intellectual property, limited control over production process and reduced product quality control. Make sure that you are clear on how much say you have when it comes to these aspects of your manufacturing processes when outsourcing them, as well as any costs that may be involved in negotiating or modifying certain aspects of your contract if necessary. To learn more about what goes into outsourced manufacturing processes, read our free whitepaper below!
4) Bespoke Manufacture
Simply put, bespoke manufacturing is when a business creates something from scratch with unique requirements. For example, if you want a unique tailored suit or dress made from scratch, you’d be choosing bespoke manufacture. The term bespoke is taken from an old English word meaning tailor-made. Bespoke manufacturing differs from other processes in that it tends to be more customized and customized for particular purposes. It also allows customers to specify things like types of materials used or a number of pockets. Because it is often tailored to individual needs, bespoke manufacture can yield superior quality products; because they’re designed specifically for their purpose, they tend to work better for their intended function than mass-produced goods do.
5) Batch Production
Batch production refers to a production method where all operations are completed in one batch. This means that after all operations are complete, all items produced in a certain period will be finished at once. Procurement companies in USA using batch production usually have relatively low rates of producing goods in order to cut down on expenses. Batch manufacturing is often used in high-volume industries where larger batches allow for an increase in efficiency and lower cost per unit. High-volume product lines, such as car manufacturing, rely heavily on batch manufacturing methods.
6) Wholesale Distribution
This is an important aspect of outsourced global sourcing companies because distributors are crucial to your product getting to market. Large manufacturers have distribution networks for their products, so these are already set up when you begin production. But if you’re manufacturing a product based on a new idea, you have to find someone willing to distribute it for you—and that takes time and money. The last thing you want is having your inventory just sitting there while you wait for distributors or retailers tobe interested in it. Be realistic about how much time it will take to establish relationships with potential distribution channels and plan accordingly.
