Product engineering is the process of turning an idea into a fully manufacturable product. The process is normally split into different phases with different project team members working on specific aspects of the product development. The hardware design would typically be completed by CAD development engineers, whereas the software would be completed by software engineers.
Take an electro-mechanical product, something like a DSLR camera, for example. The development of this would be planned out in the different phases of the development. Product engineering is the overall term used to bring that new camera to market.
The new product development process
The phases of a new product development could be something like the following:
- Idea Generation
- Idea Screening
- Concept Testing
- Business Analysis
- Product Development
- Test Marketing
- Commercialization
- Review of Market Performance
As you can see, product engineering is not only about product design; there are multiple tasks required throughout this process which demand specific sets of skills, such as:
- Statistical data analysis
- Cost analysis
- Manufacturing process knowledge
- Software programming and development
- System integration and implementation
- 3D CAD product design
- Simulation software
- Product reliability and qualification
- Physical product testing and analysis
- Product-specific technology knowledge
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Continuous product improvement
- Total quality management
- Customer usability and serviceability knowledge
How organizations handle product engineering
Often, there is a dedicated product engineer assigned to each project and it would be their responsibility for taking the product concept through the different product development phases and launch the product into mass production ready for sale. In some organizations, a project manager who may not be an engineer by training assumes that role.
That central person would not have to know every skill or to carry out every part of the development themselves. As we said earlier, each specific task should be assigned to the correct resources within the project team who are experts in their field. The project manager must, however, be very familiar with the product development cycle and every element within each of the phases.
Need assistance with bringing your new product to market?
If you need more help with product engineering or would like to discuss your product development, reach out to our product development team who would be more than happy to discuss your projects, we may even be able to help you with resources and implementation.
We provide these solutions for people in your position which will organize your new product development up to the point where mass production begins:
- New product industrial design support – we assist with product design and find the right solutions at the right cost for you.
- New product introduction (NPI) – our engineers design & implement a new product introduction process to get your new product mass-produced without delay, within budget, and at the required quality level.
- Prototype development – we quickly produce your prototype to test and validate your design, adding feedback and improvements to enhance ease of manufacturing.
Our wholly foreign-owned manufacturing subsidiary, Agilian Technology, can also provide you with contract manufacturing, warehousing, and fulfilment, too.
Read these resources before you get started…
If you’re planning on developing and manufacturing your new product in China, you need to read this guide: An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China
What is NPI for hardware startups? This eBook uncovers the process in great detail: The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups
What does a proven new product launch roadmap look like? Find out here: New Product Launch Roadmap [Excel Sheet + Exclusive Explainer Video]
