Assembly Development Process

The development process consists of the following steps. Not all of them are required but usually they are. They can be changed based on customer needs but are presented as a general guide.

Step 1 - Product definition

During this step of the development we work with the client to define the product and it's application. This is the technical requirements such as: Physical dimensions Electrical requirements (inputs, outputs) User Interface Function As well as the non technical requirements Target market areas of the world (to meet regulatory requirements) Deliverables (number of prototypes and any changes to the standard files). Project timelines The scope of work is also defined at this step if the client does not need a full product development. An example of this would be if the client wanted an existing circuit board modified due to some issue. There is no commitment by either Radical Electronics or the Client at this time. Some of the requirements can be flexible to allow us to quote different service or product options. For example, if the client would like to have a serial port on the product but it is not a definite requirement, they can get it quoted both with and without the serial port. Additionally, if there are any additional testing or validation requirements the client has, they need to be defined at this point in time.

Step 2 - Product quote

In this stage, the details are sent to the designer and they come back with a price and project timeline for the various options requested. The only thing that may be needed by the client at this time is clarification on some of the requirements. Typically the quote generated will include development charges. Some of the additional charges that will be added to the project total and are not included in the quote are:
  • Parts costs for prototypes
  • Travel costs if the designer needs to travel.
  • Parts needed for testing/verification.
  • Equipment rental
  • Costs for external lab verification

Step 3 - Project Start

In this stage the client either accepts or rejects the quote. To accept the quote, the client needs to pay 50% of the quote up front. An estimate of additional charges can be provided with the quote. If the additional charges exceed 25% of the development costs, then the client may need to pay a portion of the additional charges.

After acceptance:

  • -The project/work is started. Weekly status reports on the development will be sent to the client.
  • -The client needs to provide any required information (such as internal part numbers, previous designs we will be working with, etc).
  • -If there are any changes to the requirements either due to a change in the application, the requirement cannot be met from a design perspective, or it was overlooked in the first step, it can be added but it may adjust the project price. This is negotiated between Radical Electronics and the Client.

Usually in the development there is the budget for 2 rounds of prototypes unless the project is very simple(and can be done in one revision), or it is high risk (microstrip tuned lines, etc) which may require a 3rd round. This will be identified in the quote.

Step 4 - Project development

This is where the actual product is developed/tested and verified. There may need to be some adjustment to the requirements as the development progresses. These will be discussed with client as they arise. This stage also includes any regulatory or customer driven testing that may be required.

Step 5 - Project completion

The customer is given the design files and the necessary verification data. The customer is invoiced for the remaining developmental and additional charges.