Many startup companies and established OEMs hire other companies to provide engineering design services. This is a benefit for the OEM as it allows specialized engineers with extensive experience in industries and across industries to handle this critical part of the first steps in developing a product that solves a problem or a need.
There are several different steps used by engineering design services. Most companies that offer this specialized service use a team-based approach, with experienced engineers from specific fields working together to complete the design process.
By working with a team of specialists, the design process can be streamlined and shortened. Additionally, working outside of the company allows the OEM to set a timeline and the engineering design services work to that timeline. This is often more challenging with internal teams where there may not be the degree of specialization and experience.
The Steps
Any engineering design process starts with a clear understanding of the problem or the need for a specific piece of equipment or the part or component. Once this is clearly defined and the problem is identified, the group then completes research and determines the specific requirements.
These requirements include a range of factors from the need to operate in specific types of environments and applications to size considerations and other similar types of factors.
Brainstorming ideas and creating the design are the next steps. It is important to do the proceeding steps to ensure there is a clear understanding of what needs to be considered for the design. This is also essential to prevent a common problem with many designs, and that is continuing to add features and functions that complicate the component and create greater challenges in development.
Once the design is completed, the next step is prototyping and testing. Then, modifications and improvements are made, if required, before the design is moved into production.
