Custom Android tablets and smartphones manufacturing is not an easy task. It has its own challenges and lessons. If you miss out on any step, it is possible that the end product may not resemble your idea or design.

The process of this custom device manufacturing starts with the discussion of your project with the manufacturer. This requires you to describe your product’s functionality, share specifications, current stage of development and the forecast order quantity. Other than this, you should also detail the manufacturer about your company background and distribution channels.

This clear communication is needed for getting a quotation and signing the final agreement with the custom Android device manufacturing company. Now, the next and the most important step come in. This is prototyping stage. In this stage, a prototype of your device is made. This is the first and the preliminary version of the device. Once you finalize this stage, your product will go into mass production.

The making of a prototype is the most important stage of custom manufacturing process. When you are custom designing your phone, it is possible that some of its developments are not only new to you but also for everyone. Once a prototype is developed, you need to check it in as many ways as possible to rule out any errors or deformities. This testing involves the use of the product to standard quality checks of the device.

Let us see what all things a buyer should be aware of while custom device manufacturing.

Order for a couple of prototypes: Production of a prototype is quite costly for the buyer, as each and every part needs to be purchased or manufactured individually.  Generally, a manufacturer will make just one prototype, but it is recommended to opt for a couple of them due to following reasons:

• Testing: As a buyer, you have to test multiple aspects of the prototype such as enclosure, hardware, firmware etc. If there will be just one prototype, it will take lots of time. With multiple prototypes, you can go through these tests simultaneously and this saves a lot of time.
• Accidental damage of prototype: Accidents can occur anytime. If you damage your prototype accidentally during testing, while in transit or by simple dropping, you may need to order a new one immediately to carry out the requisite tests. Ordering a new prototype means wastage of time and money.
• Easily made changes: If you order a couple of prototypes and you need to make a simple change in the prototype, you can ask the client to make the same changes in another piece of prototype and send it. In case, if there is just one prototype, you will have to send it to the manufacturer. This involves time, shipping expense, risks of damage, etc.

Spend enough time to test prototype: As earlier said, the making of prototype is the crucial stage of any manufacturing process, you need to give it enough time to ensure that everything goes on right track. Give time to check every aspect of development. It is never possible that there is no problem with any prototype. When an issue occurs, ask the manufacturer to rectify it and you should continue your testing for other unforeseen errors.

Never consider a change as small: While analyzing the prototype, you may need some modifications that are not very essential. While, at times, there are some very small changes that appear to be small but play a big role as the project moves forward.

Communicate everything clearly: During testing and modification process of the prototype, clear communication is required.  It is important that everyone involved in the development of the prototype must be aware of the use case of the device. There should be regular contact between a client and a manufacturer. A client should be in a loop and should have regular updates and explanations of issues. No matter an issue is big or small, good or bad but a proactive line of communication will avoid any uncertainty and create a sense of security in the client.

If you keep these points in mind, you will be able to move on the prototype process easily. It is obvious that the development and prototype process will come across some type of issues or delays but the client and the manufacturer need to minimize cost and delay the impact of these problems. As a custom android devices manufacturing company, you need to keep some time in buffer to protect against these delays.

Giving additional effort, time and money in testing and addressing an issue will reward both sides in the long run.