Bringing a product from concept to market is a complex process, and product manufacturing comes with its fair share of challenges. From supply chain disruptions to regulatory compliance, companies have to navigate a variety of obstacles to ensure a smooth production process. At Hatch, we specialize in solving these challenges with our expertise in product design, engineering, prototyping, and contract manufacturing.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common product manufacturing challenges and how to overcome them all while ensuring compliance (TAA, ISO, FCC, and other regulatory requirements) as well as managing US import tariffs effectively.
Common Product Manufacturing Challenges
1. Supply Chain Disruptions and Material Shortages in Product Manufacturing
Global supply chain disruptions have become a major concern for companies. Whether it’s raw material shortages, transportation delays, or geopolitical factors, these issues can significantly impact production timelines. We work with clients to overcome these potential issues in a number of ways:
- Diversify Suppliers: Over-reliance on a single supplier can be avoided by sourcing from multiple vendors
- Leverage Domestic Manufacturing: Though potentially more expensive, working with onshore or nearshore manufacturers can mitigate risks associated with overseas production
- Use Advanced Planning & Forecasting: Partnering with an experienced and well-connected manufacturer like Hatch can help optimize inventory and supply chain logistics
2. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
TAA Compliance in Product Manufacturing
If your product is being sold to the US government or federal agencies, it must comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). This means the product must be manufactured in the United States or a TAA-compliant country.
We covered TAA compliance in our recent blog, discussing what it is and how Hatch Contract Manufacturing partners with companies to meet TAA requirements. In summary, Hatch has sourcing strategies to ensure that components and manufacturing align with TAA regulations.
FCC Testing & Certification
For electronic products, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance is required to ensure the product does not interfere with radio frequencies. Hatch has extensive experience in helping clients meet these requirements.
Check out our blog, Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing, to learn more about the process.
ISO Certifications & Quality Assurance
At Hatch, we uphold the highest quality standards in manufacturing, demonstrated by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications:
- ISO 9001:2015 ensures a strong quality management system for general product design and manufacturing
- ISO 13485:2016 certifies our expertise in medical device design and manufacturing
3. Navigating US Import Tariffs
Companies that manufacture overseas must carefully navigate import tariffs, which can significantly impact pricing and profitability. Many businesses struggle with unexpected costs due to shifting trade policies and tariffs on raw materials or finished products. Clients choose Hatch as their product manufacturing partner for several reasons:
- Hatch is a manufacturer that understands tariffs. We work with clients to strategically plan around tariffs to minimize costs and optimize supply chain decisions.
- Our US contract manufacturing facility allows us to assemble products in the US to help reduce tariff-related expenses.
- We stay informed on trade policy updates. We regularly review US trade regulations to ensure that businesses can adjust sourcing strategies accordingly.
Read our recent blog about our 4-part Tariff Engineering Strategy to learn more about how we are doing this.
4. Scaling from Prototype to Full-Scale Production
A common hurdle for startups and product innovators is the transition from a prototype or low-volume production to high-volume manufacturing without compromising quality. At Hatch we overcome this by:
- Implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM): We optimize designs to ensure smooth production
- Providing Scalable Manufacturing: Hatch supports low, medium, and high-volume manufacturing, making it easy to scale up as demand grows
- Leveraging Prototyping & Testing: Our rapid prototyping and engineering expertise help refine products before full-scale production
Product manufacturing is filled with challenges, but with the right expertise, strategy, and compliance measures in place, companies can overcome these obstacles and bring high-quality products to market efficiently.
Hatch helps clients navigate supply chain complexities, regulatory compliance, import tariffs, and scaling production, ensuring a product development journey that gets you from concept to commercialization.
Need help overcoming your product manufacturing challenges? Get in touch with our team today.
