Prototyping Support
What is Prototyping Support?
While the Contract Manufacturer (CM) does the actual manufacturing of the product, a liaison between the CM and the design team is typically required to ensure the process of manufacturing goes smoothly. Once the design is complete and final files are released, Prototyping of the PCBA is ready to begin. However, in most cases, the Prototyping phase starts much earlier. During the Design Phase, preliminary BOMs are used by the Contract Manufacturer (CM) to plan and start the component purchasing. When final files are received, the CM fabricates the PCBs. Upon completion of the PCB fabrication, components are assembled to create the PCBAs and start the Test Phase.
Arira’s role in Prototyping Support
If a CM has not, yet, been selected, Arira can suggest options based on fits for the specific product needs. Recommendations are based on CMs worked with in the past, as well as by reviewing other CMs under consideration. If the CM encounters problems purchasing component(s) off the BOM, Arira will review and suggest alternatives to ensure the material kit is completed ahead of the assembly process. Arira works with the CM throughout the Prototyping Phase to ensure that required data has been provided, and the PCBAs are completed as expected and on schedule.
Costed BOM
As the CM purchases the parts, pricing information is retained for future reference. Frequently, the Arira advises the CM to include larger volume pricing information even when small prototype quantities are being built. This information is useful for projecting production budgets and the sales price of the finished product.
Completed PCBA
Once the components have been installed on the PCB, the CM will perform final quality assurance (QA) reviews of the PCBA prior to releasing it for Functional Test.
Praise from Our Partners
Michael Johnson, Head of Products
Performance Software
"Arira has provided excellent engineering services for the development of hardware for an avionics product. Their highly skilled and experienced engineering resources have been invaluable in the overall support of high quality and efficient product development. Arira has proven to be very adaptable to the complex and changing requirements as well as providing invaluable support in working with other development partners. Arira delivers a great customer experience."
Justin Dollinger, Engineer
Room Inc.
"Arira Design is truly a one stop shop for everything electronic. The team has helped us with everything from circuit board design to firmware development to safety certifications of high voltage systems. The team is always quick to respond, treats us fairly, and operates gracefully when we tend to increase the scope mid-project. Overall, I would strongly recommend Arira Design to anyone looking for similar help."
Kenneth North, VP of Engineering
Elo Touch
"Elo has been using Arira Design for their schematic and layout review, as well as PCBA design services for the past 20 years. Arira offers a quick turnaround and detailed design review process. They've been able to find issues that even our internal resources have missed. Saving Elo weeks, if not months, of potential schedule impact by making these changes later. Arira's engineering review team, on numerous occasions, will get on a call to explain their findings so the same mistakes don't occur ... We would recommend Arira's services to anyone looking for schematic/layout review or design services."
Jim Reding, CEO
Aroma Retail
“Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Excellent R&D partner. We developed a control module with mobile app from scratch, for a new aroma diffusion machine with a completely unique user interface. The entire Arira team was highly knowledgeable, reliable, transparent, and professional. While the project was completed under budget and on time, and the final product far exceeded my expectations, the most important value to me was the relationship. Arira Design, with Craig Paulsen as my main point of contact, remains an important ally as they help me navigate the current global supply disruptions. I cannot over-express my gratitude for their concern and help in making sure I do not run out after launch of the new machine. It was Craig from Arira that reached out to me to alert me to the long-lead issues that required early purchase or substitutes; otherwise, I would not have seen it coming soon enough to adjust. I consider Craig and his crew an extension of my team.”
Client in stealth mode
"Arira just handles it. I can't say that enough. I can throw things over the fence, not look into every detail and they work with me to define our product. I don't feel overburdened with every single detail up front, and they're very quick to react and make changes. We've been able to keep designs flexible and serviceable. For a growing company looking to find our product market fit I can't imagine a better experience. Craig is a pleasure to work with, is incredibly knowledgeable and handles my stupid questions very well. The supporting engineers he's brought directly to us like James or behind the scenes have always been very professional and knowledgeable."