How is a custom solution created?
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Words such as "tailor-made", "individual" or "personal" are associated with customized solutions. Likewise, there is often an aftertaste of “exclusive”, “costly” or “complicated”. Is that really the case? What does the term mean? And how is a customer-specific solution actually created?
What does custom mean?
Simply said: custom solutions are specific and therefore suitable solutions. This also implies that a customized solution only includes exactly those components that are useful, fulfill a purpose and are therefore not unnecessary for an application.
Custom or standard?
At the beginning of a new solution there is always a specific requirement. Based on this, we determine, together with our customers, whether a standard solution can already cover all defined requirements. If this is not the case, we will work out a customer-specific solution in close cooperation with our customers.
Approaches for TFT Displays
In the TFT area, for example, so-called semi-customized approaches have become established. With this approach, a largely suitable standard display is provided with the corresponding adjustments. This approach is mainly due to the comparatively high initial costs and minimum order quantities for (fully) customized TFT solutions.
Approaches for passive LCD Displays
In the field of passive LCDs, a customized approach can be easily implemented from an annual requirement of 1,000 pieces - and that without high tooling costs (read also our article on the subject: "Customized solutions: worth the investment?")
What can customer-specific solutions do?
With a customized solution all components, like for example the brightness or the connecting-method, can be adapted as required. But additional components such as touch sensors or glasses with various printing options can also be offered. Customized solutions thus offer the possibility of (almost) complete freedom in terms of design. But how does a customized development work?
Step 1: the quote
Based on the requirements of our customers, we work out a corresponding quote for the desired annual quantities in the first step. Our quotes for customized solutions always include an additional item called "non-recurring tooling cost", which includes the individual costs for adapting or creating an individual mask for the production of the displays. Important: the corresponding tooling costs are only due once at the beginning of the development and are usually within a very moderate range.
Step 2: the drawing
The drawing represents the first complete graphic representation of the shared vision of the customized display design. The drawing itself is made by our delivery partners when an order is received. After internal checking of the drawing, our technical experts will forward it to our customers for checking and approval. This process usually takes 2 working weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. If the corresponding approval is made, the production of the samples can be initiated.
Step 3: the samples
The production of the samples usually takes between 8-10 working weeks. The samples will be checked internally by us after receipt of the delivery and will then be forwarded to our customer. Our customers can then carry out various internal tests to assess the operational readiness. Once the customer has given the approval, the design is ready for mass production.
Step 4: the mass production
Once the samples have been approved, the customized display is ready for a successful mass production. Together with our customers, we will then coordinate the upcoming demand schedules in close coordination with our logistics department.
At any time: support through all process steps
We know: every customer-specific project has its own pitfalls and challenges. As a partner, we know this and support our customers in all process steps. It is also particularly important to us that our customers always have the same contact person, whether for commercial, technical or logistical issues. As a well-coordinated project team, we can provide our customers with particularly fast and efficient support.
Are you also interested in a customized solution? Great! We look forward to hearing from you.