Sourcing and partnership.
WHAT SUPPLIERS PROVIDE
Components Modules Contract manufacturing Complete devices for rebranding
WHAT REBRANDING EXISTING DEVICES PROVIDES
Speed to market, without hardware development.
WHAT IT COSTS
Limited differentiation Dependence on their firmware and support Difficulty customising
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE COMMITTING
Whether you can modify firmware Whether the device can point at your platform What support and updates are provided What happens if they discontinue it
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Discontinuation leaves you unable to supply a product you sell.
WHAT TO NEGOTIATE
Minimum order quantities Lead times Quality standards and what happens on failure Documentation provided
WHAT TO VERIFY
Samples, thoroughly, before ordering volume.
WHAT TO TEST ON SAMPLES
Everything, including environmental and long-duration behaviour.
WHY
Specifications and reality differ, and volume orders are not returnable.
WHAT TO PLAN
A second source, where possible.
WHAT TO CONSIDER LOCALLY
Import duties and clearance Lead time variability Currency exposure between order and delivery
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
Every specification agreed, in writing.
