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How a Contract Engineering & Manufacturing Partner Can Be Your Competitive Advantage 2025 is shaping up to be another year of unpredictable supply chain disruptions. From fluctuating raw material costs to geopolitical instability and persistent labor shortages, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face ongoing challenges in maintaining production schedules and meeting customer demand. At Big Rocks […]

The Reality of New Product Development: Embracing The Unknowns Why Product Development Never Goes As Planned  I have a confession to make: I am far from perfect, and our company is far from perfect. That’s a hard thing to admit, but it’s the truth. And guess what? We’re no different from any other company in

Why Innovation is Built on the ‘Known Unknowns’ Introduction Innovation often comes wrapped in uncertainty. As someone with over 20 years of experience in engineering and product development, I’ve learned that unpredictability isn’t a roadblock—it’s a reality. Whether you’re designing groundbreaking technology or refining an existing product, success lies in embracing and managing the “known

The Real Key to Breakthroughs How Does Your Organization Harness a Culture of Innovation? We often talk about innovation—brainstorms, ideas, processes, and technology—but the reality is that real innovation only happens when it’s embedded deeply in an organization’s culture. Tools and processes are helpful, but they’re not the drivers of innovation. It’s the people that

Breaking Through the Barriers of Product Development In today’s fast-paced world, innovation is often reduced to small, iterative improvements rather than sweeping, game-changing breakthroughs. Many organizations, especially those with products that have been around for decades, find it hard to embrace something truly new. The fear of risk often outweighs the desire for significant change.

Adapting to Change How Companies Can Thrive in an Evolving Landscape The only certainty in business is change. And, since that’s the case, I often wonder how many organizations truly take this reality into account. Lately, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with friends, colleagues, and sitting in on presentations by various business owners. A

The Balance of Planning and Flexibility in Product Development “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” This famous quote underscores the importance of planning. However, as I’ve discussed in previous posts, having a rigid plan can stifle creativity and collaboration. The key to successful product development lies in finding a balance between planning and flexibility.

The Importance of Iterative Design in Engineering Enhancing Creativity and Advancing Solutions for OEMs For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), maintaining a competitive edge is essential for success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through an iterative design process. Creating multiple iterations of prototypes leads to more innovative and advanced solutions, ensuring

The Power of Simplicity in Product Design and Development In our fast-paced world, simplicity often gets overlooked. This post challenges you to evaluate your processes and adopt a simpler approach. Whether it’s product design, development systems, or workplace environments, overcomplication can hinder productivity. Let’s explore how simplifying can lead to more effective results. Simplifying Product

Maximizing New Product Development in Your Organization New product development (NPD) is a critical aspect of any organization aiming for growth and innovation. It’s not just about having the right technology or resources; it’s about integrating these elements into a cohesive, efficient, and value-driven process. Here’s how you can treat new product development to ensure

Transforming Your Million-Dollar Idea into Reality with Big Rocks Engineering Everyone has a brilliant idea at some point — but what truly matters is how you develop it. At Big Rocks Engineering, a common question we face from inventors and product developers is whether we invest or work for free on new projects. While we

Empowering Innovation: Bridging the Skills Gap with Big Rocks Engineering In today’s world, we often find ourselves asking, “What am I doing to get better at what I do? How about my team? Are we setting aside time—be it daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly—to learn something new, to sharpen our skills? Or are we

Navigating the Innovation Maze: Strategies for OEMs and Startups In the fast-paced world of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and startups, the question isn’t just about having the time to innovate; it’s about making innovation a top priority amidst a sea of challenges. You’re juggling tight resources, operational demands, and the ever-present clock ticking away. So,

Continual Improvement: The Path to Sustainable Growth If you feel like you’re moving too slowly, you might just be on the right track. Continual improvement, whether in personal or business life, often elicits a desire for instant results—it’s human nature. However, lasting success rarely comes instantly; it requires postponing immediate gratification for future gains. Think

Navigating Complexities with Precision: A Manufacturer’s Guide to Systematic Problem Solving in Product Development In the competitive landscape of industrial manufacturing, the journey from concept to a finished product is a complex puzzle. Picture this: a small oversight in engineering design spirals into a significant production setback. This scenario underscores the necessity for systematic problem-solving—a

Empowering Innovation: The Human Factor in Product Development In a world often dominated by technology and machines, it’s easy to overlook the most critical component in innovation: the human element. At Big Rocks Engineering, we’ve discovered that the true cornerstone of progress in any industry is not just cutting-edge technology but the collective intelligence, diversity,

Bridging the Gap: Why Understanding Customer Perspectives is Crucial in New Product Development In the realm of manufacturing, the heartbeat of progress lies in the continuous evolution of products. However, the journey from concept to market-ready involves more than just engineering prowess. It’s about truly understanding the customer’s perspective. This not only ensures product relevance

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: Strategies That Set Big Rocks Engineering Apart In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, the ability to innovate distinguishes leaders from the pack. For manufacturing giants like us, it’s more than just staying ahead—it’s about defining the future. At Big Rocks Engineering, we don’t just talk about innovation; we live it. Dive

Maximizing Innovation and Efficiency: The Vital Role of Standardization in New Product Development In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve is vital for not just surviving, but thriving. We understand the pivotal role that standardization plays in ensuring excellence in operations. In this blog post, we explore the significance of standardization