FAQs

We've compiled a list of important questions that you might be likely to ask of us. Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to discuss the answers in person.

You stress electronics and software design. Can I come to you to get a product done "turnkey"?

The answer is absolutely. We have a great deal of experience in bringing a product from just an idea to the shipping dock. Of course we have outstanding electronics and software design capabilities but we also have worked with marketing, mechanical engineering, industrial design, artists, and manufacturing groups to bring products to fruition. That experience, coupled with the expertise of our partners in their areas of core competence, ensures you get a great product.

What if I want to maintain the product myself or bring it into my manufacturing facility?

We provide you with absolutely all of the documentation for your product. With that information you can modify anything about the product yourself or bring it to any facility for manufacturing.

We have had a number of people contact us that had a product designed elsewhere and they were surprised to learn that they didn't have all the information that went in to the design of the product. You really should have the "source files" in your possession.

A similar example of this that helps prove the point is adobe pdf files. If you are delivered the pdf file by your contractor, you have information but not the source information that you can easily modify. This analogy holds for software and electronics files as well.

In addition, you are free to do with that information what you will. We do not force you into any sort of long term manufacturing agreement or design agreement. Our agreement is very simple, we provide the design services that you ask for without trying to make additional money on your manufacturing.

I want my device to be very low cost. Doesn't that mean we should have it built in China?

This question really has two answers to it.

First, labor costs for manufacturing are certainly much lower in China. Therefore, any large volume product with a number of hand operations could realize a cost savings if built in China. Because BCA generally designs products to minimize hand operations, each product should be evaluated to determine if it is appropriate to have the production moved overseas.

Second, there are a number of potential difficulties in dealing with overseas vendors. To minimize these, we recommend building your prototypes in the United States. This avoids saddling your design process with delays and also allows you to present your overseas partner with a working example of the product you'd like them to build (this is often very helpful).

Why would I want a custom electronics system designed?

Custom software and custom electronics allow your company to show its uniqueness and keep a barrier of entry into your product space. It does, of course, have its cost.

Off the shelf electronics can often reduce development cost and can sometimes allow a low product cost if the volumes are high enough. Although custom electronics has a higher development cost, it can have significant benefits.

• Provides additional reliability in your usage and environmental requirements.
• Capabilities are flexible -- it can meet all of your requirements
• Often lower cost and smaller.
• Often faster and/or lower power than off the shelf alternatives.

Are you willing to invest in my company?

Some design firms inflate their rates so that they can "reduce" them in return for equity in your company. BCA does not engage in this practice.

I'm getting pressure from my management to outsource our design services overseas. Isn't that cheaper than outsourcing in the US?

It certainly is true that the per hour rate for engineers in some other countries is lower than the rate in the United States. However, there are a number of other factors that we believe often overcome that perceived advantage.

• There are good engineers all over the world but we work hard to make sure that only the best are employed by BCA.
• It is very difficult to control your intellectual property overseas.
• The time zone differences make it difficult to ensure a good working relationship.
• Cultural differences sometimes make it hard to determine if you are on schedule or if the product is getting done as you have requested.

These issues have come from personal experience that our management has as well as from the experience of some of our customers.

My medical device design must meet FDA requirements. Is that something you have done before?

We've designed a number of medical products. Some of them have been "patient applied" devices. BCA has demonstrated the ability to provide a medical design that is not only reliable but whose documentation is accepted by the FDA.

How many designers do you have?

We have over 20 designers permanently employed at BCA. This is a great question to ask. A firm with longevity and lots of designers means that your product knowledge is still there if you need to get some additional work done. Hiring individual contract engineers is risky and they may not be available in the future. Also some design firms on the web may appear to be a large firm but are only made up of one or two engineers who have limited experience and resources. Other firms have few permanent employees at all and subcontract your work out after they are awarded your business. In fact, they might even subcontract your work overseas.

Do you have any financial ties with your partnering companies?

When we recommend contract manufacturing companies or industrial design service companies no money changes hands. We keep these relationships as a service to our customers but we want to make sure that we continue working with a company due to their outstanding performance and not because we have a financial interest in them. Additionally, we do not "upcharge" third party items that we buy on your behalf. We know some companies add 20% to the bill they receive.