A highly backed US-based start-up was in the process of developing specialized surveying equipment that would save their clients hundreds of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars on major surveying project scopes. The software, hardware, and accompanying data suite developed by the company is highly advanced and built on a principle of precision, requiring that the hardware be steady, resistant to varying environmental factors, and able to withstand potential use error. The casing and components were mission-critical-where a single component costing a dollar would cause field failures cost tens of resounds of dollars.

• Inexperience. The company had multiple iterations with product development companies inexperienced in manufacturing wiring harnesses. There was also of familiarity regarding what is possible with encapsulated PCBs and moldable seals.

• Low-quality components. The use of low-cost, off-the-shelf wiring solution created instability and breakage in product design.

• Poor planning. Late stage development and contract manufacturing involvement meant strict scope of work and limited alterations to product design.

• High-cost production. Small batch custom contract manufacturing with higher price per piece.