If and when you choose a partner to design a product or a component of your product, make sure you own the design or at least have access to use the design if and when you need to move the design to a new manufacturer or make changes.
This is especially important when it comes to software of firmware development. Many partners will give you the executable but not the source code. This is their subtle way of keeping you hostage, rather than a real partner.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Begin with a well documented and agreed upon statement of work
- You need to have an internal documentation control system to maintain revisions and to ensure you have the latest design information. Do not leave this to your partner. The partner could change.
- You need to have a documented change process to keep track of the revisions and changes with an approval system
- You want the source code noting that many firms will charge you more for the source code versus just the executable.
- You want all 3D design files and 2D documentation controlled
- A tool list indicating ownership
It is very important that you control and maintain your product documentation for that day when you may have to change manufacturers. The world and relationships evolve over time and not always for the better.
snow mountain group 