Insights
Weighing the Options: Choosing the Right Partner for Product Development
When bringing a product to market, selecting the right partner can make or break your timeline, budget, and compliance success. We’ve put together an infographic to help you weigh out the different options available when beginning a product development journey. Two different paths commonly taken are with a Contract Manufacturer or a full-service design engineering firm. But how do they stack up against each other?
As you can see, Contract Manufacturers excel in cost-effective, large-scale production—but often fall short in early-stage design and regulatory support, potentially leading to costly delays. Design firms like Prodigy, on the other hand, offer end-to-end support—from design through FDA submission— providing the expertise, flexibility, and integration needed to streamline development and reduce risk. This comparison highlights why Prodigy may be the smarter choice for innovators who value speed, precision, and comprehensive guidance before scaling up.
So how to make the right choice? The right development partner depends on where you are in your product journey. If you’re still in the early stages—refining your concept, navigating design decisions, or preparing for regulatory submission—a design firm like Prodigy can provide the integrated support and expertise you need to move quickly and avoid costly missteps. On the other hand, if your product is finalized and you’re ready to scale manufacturing, a contract manufacturer may be more suitable for efficient, high-volume production.
Finally, think about your long-term strategy. If you’re looking for a partner that can evolve with your product—handling design changes, sustaining engineering, or future iterations—Prodigy’s model offers more flexibility and continuity. While contract manufacturers may offer lower upfront costs, the added value of deep involvement, regulatory guidance, and long-term support can make a design firm the smarter investment.
Interested in learning how we can partner with you to drive innovation and success? Let’s get started! Fill out the contact form to a right to get in touch with one of our sales engineers.
