Product Planning – How to Get Started With Manufacturing

Are you developing a new product? Or are you simply looking to finesse an existing product? Whatever your project, you are only limited by your imagination, and with so many manufacturing concepts at your disposal, it’s easy to get started right away. Your operation will bend and change as you get into the full swing, but these four areas are tested tried and true ways to launch a product that your clients and customers will love.

Branding

Branding is the name of the game when it comes to products. Your product planning should encompass your branding strategy so that your customers can recognise your name and logo and stand behind you. Being a customer yourself, you will know that branding can look and feel very different from the next, so individuality and bespoke design will go a long way in setting you apart. Make a splash with your product uniqueness by using laser cutting in Melbourne by Vector and Raster. Laser cutting can be applied to so many different surfaces and materials, making it a preferred brand edge for thousands of companies who put customer experience first.

Packaging

Packaging is another fun way to surprise and delight those receiving your product. It’s also a great way to set yourself apart from your competitors. Packaging creativity has come a long way, and it is no long a plastic wrap and away you go. Many industry leaders use fabrics, wood, and other materials to package their products proudly. A good place to start would be evaluating who your typical customer is, and what you think they would expect or like to see. For example, if you are targeting a green and sustainable crowd, you may way to package your product in biodegradable materials and avoid plastic altogether if possible.

Quality assurance

We would all like to think that our products are manufactured as we intended, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Quality assurance should be built into your business plan so that you can give your fabulous products their due and not be undermined by errors or mishaps. Whether you are building these products in-house or offsite in a factory, set a hard and fast rule that every 20th or 200th (depending on your product volume) item constructed is tested and signs off on your quality assurance tests. It is generally a good rule of thumb to use your products regardless, so that you can experience the product as the customer does. Also share with friends and family as their insights can be invaluable.

Stay agile

At the end of a year it’s incredible to look back and think, ‘wow, I can’t believe we ever did it like that’. You business strategy should stay agile so that you are constantly innovating and learning from mistakes and experiences to craft a better manufactured product for your customer. Agile methodology is all the rage now, as businesses simply do not survive on a one track mind. A great way to start this methodology is to keep an open line of communications with your key stakeholders and loyal customers. You can do this candidly with your work peers by asking their opinions about the manufacturing process, and what the customer review and feedback is telling your business about the product.

Manufacturing and product planning can be a lot of fun. But the consequences are of course there, so address the four key criterias to keep your manufactured products relevant and revered with your market.