Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) conference, and I’m still processing everything I learned. Between touring Hunter Engineering, attending three days of keynotes, and participating in multiple breakout sessions, one message came through loud and clear: None of this works if you don’t have the right culture […]

After nearly 20 years leading engineering and new product development teams—from defense contractors to consumer goods manufacturers—I’ve seen the same pattern destroy project after project. Engineering departments that should be innovation engines are instead becoming bottlenecks that choke growth. The harsh reality? Engineers are pricing themselves out of jobs. I recently heard from an industry

Executive Summary Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) make sourcing decisions based on three critical factors: quality, cost, and lead time. While many suppliers compete on quality and cost, lead time remains an underutilized strategic lever. In an era of rapid innovation, shifting supply chains, and increasing demand for customization, OEMs are prioritizing throughput and responsiveness more

How Strategic Partnerships with Contract Engineering & Manufacturing Experts Accelerate Innovation and Growth Executive Summary In today’s fast-paced market, manufacturers face increasing pressure to shorten product development cycles, reduce costs, and innovate faster than ever before. However, internal teams are often stretched thin managing legacy products, sustaining operations, and juggling multiple priorities. As a result,

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

Does Your Product Development Process Fit Your Organization?  Does your organization have a structured new product development (NPD) process? If not, and you’re looking to implement one, reach out to us at Big Rocks Engineering. But if you do have a product development process, where does it fit within your company’s structure?  Some companies embed

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 real innovation happens only when organizations embed it deeply into their culture. Tools and processes help, but people drive innovation. In my 20 years of experience in product development and growing manufacturing

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

The Fine Line Between Cutting-Edge and Practical: A Closer Look at Product Development In the fast-paced world of product development, there’s a constant temptation to pack the latest tech into new products. But does this meet the needs of the people who use them? Let’s explore why it’s crucial to keep real-world applications in mind

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

Elevating Your New Product Development Strategy: A Guide to Prioritization and Scheduling In the bustling world of small businesses, where multitasking becomes second nature, it’s easy for new product development to be relegated to the “when time permits” category. Yet, for companies aiming to stay competitive and innovate, giving these projects the attention they deserve

Letting Go to Move Forward: Embracing Change for Success In our professional journeys, clinging to familiar designs, concepts, and strategies is a natural tendency. It’s a comfort zone that feels safe, whether with customers, in relationships, or in various aspects of our lives. However, the true essence of progress and the key to unlocking genuine

The Critical Role of Customer Feedback in Product Development In the realm of business and personal relationships, a common pitfall is the assumption that we understand more than we do. This especially rings true when it comes to interpreting customer needs and desires. The presumption that we know what the customer wants, how much they