New-Tech Europe Magazine | H2 2023

How to avoid delays & accelerate development cycles with optimized design processes

Robert John Webber, Powell Electronics

Handling adversity The last few years have been tough for everyone in industry, with multiple challenges making it more and more difficult to conduct business – from Brexit and US-China trade tensions to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Even before these disruptions, manufacturing supply chains were under pressure from the demands of new technologies, ever tighter development cycles and “just in-time” production. Some manufacturers suffered during the first months of the COVID pandemic because their processes weren’t flexible or resilient enough to handle the multiple disruptions presented, with some suppliers shutting down or refusing orders. Between workplace challenges, disrupted and dispersed workforces, and critical supply chain issues, some companies couldn’t maintain their business and either went into hibernation or folded.

Manufacturing products and solutions that integrate electronic, electrical and mechanical systems is no easy task. Today’s design engineers must address multiple challenges, from integrating advanced core technologies in an optimum manner to managing complex supply chain issues. Using a comprehensive and coordinated design and development methodology goes a long way towards success in this disruptive marketplace. Here, Robert John Webber, European Applications Manager at specialist distributor for hi-rel connectors, Powell Electronics outlines 10 design tips and techniques to help remove unnecessary time pressures, avoid delays and increase time-to-market… Team organization is key The first task for any company or organization involved in the design, development and manufacture of

devices and products is to establish a good team and set it up well. Typically, a project manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers who possess the different specialist skills required, which might include software, electronic, mechanical or PCB design, manufacturing, test and quality assurance. Proper team organization is especially important when dealing with large teams or those with members working remotely. A good analogy is a sports team. Regardless of the sport, the coach (think project manager) must help set up and coordinate a team of individuals with diverse skill sets, roles and responsibilities. They must keep these various talents – all of whom typically know their job well – on track to get the best out of them and deliver on the goals of the project. A team lacking the right mix of skills and talent – or with the wrong coach – will ultimately struggle.

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