ACT Specializes in New Product Introduction (NPI)

ACT has a unique process and teams dedicated to supporting the demands of new product introductions, because successful NPIs are crucial to the success of both start-ups and larger, more established businesses.

Our NPI process is insulated from the demands of larger production runs, ensuring the constant focus and attention you need. As a result, our customers report faster time to prototype.

There are major advantages to having a manufacturing partner who offers such a comprehensive NPI program. At ACT our NPI staff takes the customer design and makes sure it is fully manufacturable and testable. Our customer, therefore, has constant support from the development all the way through the completion of the manufacturing process.

NPI Cells

NPI at ACT means having completely dedicated NPI business cells. Our NPI cells contain exactly the same high tech assembly and test equipment as our production facilities ensuring a seamless transition to manufacturing. Our cells also include a completely dedicated staff that performs exclusively NPI. By operating our separate NPI cells, ACT ensures the focus is solely on prototypes. NPI production team members provide the cell with an accurate, cost-effective and established process that allows for quick and successful ramp to volume.

This careful attention results in a high level of flexibility and quick turn around to production by developing the actual process used in production runs. It also results in a high level of engineering support and gives ACT the capability to build the most complex products. By developing the process completely in dedicated cells, NPI at ACT remains separate from other manufacturing demands. In addition, our NPI cells mirror the equipment, process, people and functions of the manufacturing environment, which results in a transparent, seamless transition into production.

Special NPI Teams

ACT partners with our customers in NPI by supplying complete services. Every ACT customer is assigned a dedicated team to manage communication. A key member of the team is the NPI program manager. The program manager is the primary interface between the customer and ACT. This helps us ensure that every customer receives constant communications and updates. We also communicate with customers by issuing them reports that are generated by tapping the latest advances in realtime information systems. This feedback allows for changes that improve cost and quality. The NPI program manager makes sure the program stays on track by managing all schedules, ECOs and monitoring customer satisfaction, and identifying any and all issues.

We also create specific customer material acquisition teams (CMATS) dedicated to all procurement and planning activities. Our team-based approach brings customers the constant attention and communication they need.

We have created special NPI teams that include experts in all areas critical to the success of NPIs:

• Material management experts
• Quality specialists
• Testing engineers
• Program managers
• Others crucial to the success of your project

ACT Meets All NPI Requirements

We meet all NPI requirements as follows:

• Rapid prototype
• Strong ECO control
• Minimum ECO implementation cycle time
• Flexibility in scheduling prototypes
• BOM analysis
• Management of the supply base
• Planning analysis
• Leveraging of key suppliers
• Component engineering support
• DFM analysis/build summary reports
• DFT diagnostic development
• Quality data management system
• Worldwide commodity management
• Customized material pipeline

Our Commitment

We have made a significant and ongoing commitment to our NPI program, which has already proven successful for thousands of new products. The ACT solution ensures that every NPI gets the responsive attention it needs. That's because our NPI cells contain exactly the same high-tech assembly and test equipment as a production cell. Our NPI teams are highly skilled and dedicated people who are experienced in developing manufacturable, testable and cost effective product. This ensures that both the customer and ACT achieve success.

Strategic Partners

Expertise in new product introductions is an important reason why our customers trust ACT as their strategic partner. And, when the time comes to ramp up to higher production volume, ACT continues to be the right choice.