The designing process is a critical element in the success of any type of new part, component or product. Often there is limited time spent by many OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or design teams in choosing the best of engineering design services.
This can lead to problems, pitfalls, and issues that develop during the design process and even into prototype development and large scale production. Ideally, finding the right engineering service will also include prototype development and production capacity, limiting the number of contractors involved in the project.
Looking Only at the Quote
The quote, bid or estimate is only part of the important factors to compare between different engineering design services. Ideally, talk to at least three companies that offer the services required and obtain a quote or bid for the project.
Look for documentation of the breakdown of the service being offered and also verify the company has the current capacity to take on your project if they are selected.
Simple is Better
While engineering design services will provide the support requested by your in-house team, look for a company that offers a solution or option that is simple, efficient and avoids unnecessary production steps or costs.
Simple doesn’t mean basic or limited; it means avoiding additional components to the design that are costly, may result in a shorter life cycle or that are going to be problematic to produce on a mass scale.
Understanding of the Industry
Large companies offering engineering design services typically have teams that focus on different areas of specialization. This allows the team for that particular industry to stay current on regulations, standards, requirements and latest in breakthroughs and developments.
These teams can also interact with each other or draw from the expertise within the engineering professionals. With this level of access to highly trained individuals challenging problems can be addressed more effectively than in small engineering firms with limited staff and resources.
