Turnkey Prototype Management

1. Overview

Turnkey Prototype Management is a full supplier-management service covering a product's first, or early, production runs through a contract electronics manufacturer (CEM). Veritex takes responsibility for the CEM relationship on the client's behalf, from initial vendor selection through to sign-off of the completed batch.

Managing a small NPI batch through a CEM typically requires more day-to-day involvement than engineering teams anticipate, including vendor selection, quotation comparison, and a continuous stream of production queries once a build is under way. Because the service is delivered by qualified electronics engineers, queries relating to obsolescence, component substitution, or process are resolved directly rather than being returned to the client unanswered.

Production queries are targeted for response within two hours during an active build. The service covers the full period from CEM selection through to delivery of the completed batch, and is most commonly used for first NPI batches, lower-volume production runs, and new CEM relationships, where the associated risk is greatest.

2. What Is Included

1. CEM selection. A contract manufacturer is selected to match the specific build type and volume in question, rather than on the basis of general availability.
2. Quotation management. Quotations from prospective CEMs are compared on a like-for-like basis, so that pricing differences reflect genuine differences in scope rather than inconsistent quoting.
3. Batch co-ordination. The build is co-ordinated on a day-to-day basis, so that progress does not stall while awaiting a decision or response.
4. Production query response. Production queries are targeted for a response within two hours, reducing the risk of the build being held up awaiting an answer.
5. First article inspection and sign-off. First articles are inspected and formally signed off before the remainder of the batch proceeds.
6. Issue resolution. Yield issues, component substitutions, and process queries are resolved directly by an engineer.
7. Supply chain co-ordination. Component shortages and related supply chain issues are managed for the duration of the build.

3. Who This Service Is For

1. Teams undertaking their first NPI batch, where in-house experience of managing a CEM relationship is limited.
2. Teams moving production to a new contract manufacturer, where the risk associated with an unproven supplier relationship needs to be managed.
3. Lower-volume or higher-complexity builds, where the likelihood of an unexpected issue arising during production is greatest.

4. How the Engagement Works

1. CEM selection and quotation. Suitable contract manufacturers are shortlisted and quotations obtained and compared.
2. Batch co-ordination. The build is managed on a day-to-day basis once under way, with a two-hour target for response to production queries.
3. Sign-off and ongoing support. First articles are inspected and signed off ahead of full production, with continued support available once units are delivered.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Veritex select the contract manufacturer on our behalf?

Yes. A shortlist of suitable CEMs is identified based on the build type and volume, and quotations are compared before a recommendation is made.

What response time can we expect during production?

Production queries are targeted for a response within two hours during an active build.

Is this service suitable for a first production run?

Yes. It is most commonly used for first NPI batches and for new CEM relationships, where the level of management required is typically highest.

Can this be combined with a design review?

Yes. Many clients commission a Design Review ahead of production, followed by Turnkey Prototype Management once the build begins.

6. Getting Started

To discuss a prototype management engagement, submit an enquiry describing the project and its current stage. Further detail on the engagement process is available on the How It Works page.

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