Influencing Product Design in Manufacturing
In this episode, I spoke with Craig Higton, an aerospace engineer and manufacturing consultant with years of experience in process improvement and operations leadership. We talked about where manufacturers can have more of a say in how products are designed.
Too often, manufacturing teams are brought in late once the design is already set. Craig thinks that needs to change and shares some sharp advice on how manufacturers can be involved earlier, influence decisions upstream, and ultimately make their jobs easier down the line.
🎧 Listen below or watch the full video episode.
Influencing Product Design in Manufacturing
Our highlights from the conversation:
★ Manufacturers should be part of the design phase, not just the build phase
Craig explains how small decisions made early on can have a big impact on production and how better collaboration with engineering can prevent problems later.
★ Don’t be afraid to listen in on commercial conversations
One of Craig’s tips is to sit in on earnings calls. It might sound unusual, but it gives you a clearer view of how the product makes money and where manufacturing can add more value.
★ Use what you know about suppliers
Manufacturers often know more about what is realistic in the supply chain than the designers do. Craig talks about using that knowledge to influence how products are put together from the start.
🎧 Tune In
If you’re working in manufacturing and want to have more impact beyond the factory floor, this episode is a great place to start.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube. And if you enjoy it, follow the show — we’ve got more conversations coming that you won’t want to miss.
