A potential customer came to us for help and support. They needed to re-evaluate the supply of current boards used on their products. After several meetings and a tour of our facilities, they were keen to work with us.
A Squared’s first priority was to sort the relevant data files for the boards making sure that each had X and Y data, Gerber files, BOMs and so on. As the customer was not familiar with any of the manufacturing processes the onus was on A Squared to evaluate the long list of information given and extract what was required. It took a while to go through everything but once completed we then costed the BOMs individually and got them approved. Components were ordered, production of the prototypes completed and the populated boards then given to our customer for testing.
We found that on one particular board some important programming software had gone astray. The only way we could overcome this was to design a supplementary board with new software. This would then be used as a replacement for the missing information and assist us with the programming of future boards in production. Our prime aim at this stage was not to cause further expense but work with the design already in place.
Whilst many challenges had been set along the way having a good team behind you makes problem-solving much easier. Weeks later prototypes were signed off and we were happy that everything was set in place for future production. Our customer had the knowledge and peace of mind which is what they were looking for when their stock holding needed to be replenished A Squared were at hand to fulfil this.
It was discussed that over the next year or so and once continuity in supply had settled down suggestions were made to the customer for future improvements on their boards, this would lead to cost savings later down the line. We are fully aware that products in small businesses need to be financially viable and maintained as such in this ever demanding market place.