---
title: 5 steps you can take to ensure optimal product functionality
description: The first safeguard to ensuring that your product functions optimally is the selection of your manufacturing partner.
image: https://www.cubbison.com/hubfs/Blog%20Pic.jpg
---
[](https://www.cubbison.com/)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3877077/543c21f0-edeb-47bb-bfb0-bc7c2e0d396a)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3877077/d92ef6cd-143b-428f-9b8d-6cea740e28d9)
**
** **
[](https://www.cubbison.com/)
**
** **
Search
**Menu**
** **
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3877077/543c21f0-edeb-47bb-bfb0-bc7c2e0d396a)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3877077/71fe27a2-05c1-448a-8be2-6e7e5a859890)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3877077/d92ef6cd-143b-428f-9b8d-6cea740e28d9)
[**Cubbison Blog](https://www.cubbison.com/blog)
# 5 steps you can take to ensure optimal product functionality
by [JC Kocjancic](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/author/jc-kocjancic), on Dec 6, 2022 1:20:28 PM
Designing a new product or working to establish specs for future manufacturing runs can put a strain on your time, your budget, and even your ability to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For that reason, it is important to eliminate every factor that could interfere with the functionality, sustainability, or delivery of your product.
Failure to vet manufacturing partners can cause a headache down the line, especially when you discover that your product does not function properly in its intended environment.
**The following five steps will help you ensure optimal product functionality:**
**Step #1: Do your homework and select a reputable manufacturer. **For some companies, tempting cost-cuts result in quality shortcuts. Talk to the design and engineering team, ask about industry experience, and request information on case studies comparable to your project. A brief investment of time on the front end can save a significant waste of time and money when you have to go back to the drawing board.
**Step #2: Look for a manufacturer that can provide a turnkey solution,** so you don’t have to engage two or more manufacturers to complete a single project. This will minimize communication gaps, repetitive costs, and confusion about accountability, production delays, and delivery timelines.
**Step #3: Look for evidence that a manufacturer meets or exceeds industry standards.** You know best what compliance and industry standards are required or preferred for your industry, but you should work with a manufacturer that has the capacity to independently meet those expectations. In addition to industry-specific certifications, consider the following:
- [CSA standards ](https://www.csagroup.org/)that require rigorous testing related to [American National Standards Institute](https://ansi.org/) (ANSI), UL, [NSF International](https://www.nsf.org/) (NSF) and other global organizations
- [ISO9001 Certification](https://www.iso.org/iso-9001-quality-management.html) that is evidence of superior business practices, including a strong customer focus, continual improvement processes, and a high level of management engagement
- [REACH,](https://www.hsa.ie/) which encompasses standards related to the use of chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment
- RoHS, the [Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, ](https://www.rohsguide.com/)that governs the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
- [Underwriters Laboratories](https://ul.org/) (UL) Standards applied in the assessment of products components, materials, and systems, setting a quality benchmark that provides confidence for end-users
**Step #4: Invest in prototypes.** If you are investing in the design of a new product or making adaptations to an existing product design, consider spending a few extra days and a few extra dollars on prototyping.
Prototyping gives you an opportunity to:
- confirm brand integrity
- establish a concept-to-production roadmap
- evaluate aesthetics, color consistency, graphics, and other brand components
- evaluate how materials will perform in various environmental conditions
- reduce costs related to modification of design, material, or manufacturing process
- safeguard against user risk, product recall, and compliance shortcomings
- test functionality, form, and style
- validate and refine design
Based on your findings, you can quickly move through multiple iterations until you fine-tune form, fit, and function.
Learn more about our [Rapid Prototype Program](https://www.cubbison.com/rapid-prototype).
**Step #5: Insist on testing.** Your product should never leave a manufacturing facility until it has been tested for form and function. If this step is neglected, you increase the risk that your product will malfunction after it has been put into operation. Product failure, in turn, results in delays and a loss of productivity and customer confidence.
**Conclusion: **Vet your manufacturing partner before you invest time and money. Your due diligence will safeguard your investment and ensure optimal product functionality.
**If you have questions or want to discuss your business needs with The Cubbison Company, email **[**salesengineer@cubbison.com**](mailto:salesengineer@cubbison.com) or call [**(800) 733-4133**.](https://www.cubbison.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=65345992-fd66-4049-a056-0a71173eb4f6&signature=AAH58kHKuSqsUc8uCS3btpnGsCd6p4tKbQ&pageId=93357064587&placement_guid=71fe27a2-05c1-448a-8be2-6e7e5a859890&click=6767858a-afab-4ab7-8364-83bce3036d63&hsutk=d46911199c2611a57e3e8215d6dd1280&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cubbison.com%2Fblog%2Fsix-optimized-processes-that-contribute-to-high-speed-high-quality-digital-printing&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cubbison.com%2Fblog&portal_id=3877077&redirect_url=APefjpELm0Eq6IrwP6PN1XXRY-pmyUFGoAP9MjIve9CJ7n9O8v4OqWeZ_0jX0xxe9IELESAeCDE0&__hstc=168857470.d46911199c2611a57e3e8215d6dd1280.1648057042010.1670201216515.1670253026736.227&__hssc=168857470.1.1670253026736&__hsfp=2442824485&contentType=blog-post)
**About The Cubbison Company:** We provide spec-ready and customized solutions to meet the printed electronics, user-interface, and commercial product identification needs of our clients. Companies in the medical device, defense, transportation, industrial power, oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors rely on The Cubbison Company for engineering and design expertise, manufacturing precision, and exceptional service.
Topics:[membrane switch](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/membrane-switch)[flexible electronics](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/flexible-electronics)[nameplates](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/nameplates)[design services](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/design-services)[leadtime and delivery](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/leadtime-and-delivery)[engineering](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/engineering)[printed electronics](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/printed-electronics)[prototypes](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/prototypes)[nameplates, labels, overlays](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/nameplates-labels-overlays)[reshoring](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/reshoring)[sensors](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/topic/sensors)
## Comments
### About Cubbison
Cubbison is a manufacturer of industrial and commercial product identification products and flexible electronic devices. [More →](https://www.cubbison.com/about)
- [Recent](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/5-steps-you-can-take-to-ensure-optimal-product-functionality#recent)
- [Topics](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/5-steps-you-can-take-to-ensure-optimal-product-functionality#topics)
- [Archive](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/5-steps-you-can-take-to-ensure-optimal-product-functionality#archive)
- [adhesives (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/adhesives)
- [assembly (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/assembly)
- [brass (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/brass)
- [case study (4)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/case-study)
- [certifications (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/certifications)
- [Cubbison quotes (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/cubbison-quotes)
- [design services (21)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/design-services)
- [digital printing (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/digital-printing)
- [engineering (14)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/engineering)
- [flexible electronics (12)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/flexible-electronics)
- [Insider (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/insider)
- [labels (9)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/labels)
- [laser cutting (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/laser-cutting)
- [leadtime and delivery (8)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/leadtime-and-delivery)
- [membrane switch (17)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/membrane-switch)
- [metals (6)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/metals)
- [nameplates (20)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/nameplates)
- [nameplates, labels, overlays (9)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/nameplates-labels-overlays)
- [new technologies (13)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/new-technologies)
- [news (26)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/news)
- [printed electronics (12)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/printed-electronics)
- [process (12)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/process)
- [prototypes (4)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/prototypes)
- [quality control (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/quality-control)
- [reshoring (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/reshoring)
- [rubber keypads (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/rubber-keypads)
- [screen printing (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/screen-printing)
- [sensors (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/sensors)
- [substrates (7)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/tag/substrates)
[More...](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/5-steps-you-can-take-to-ensure-optimal-product-functionality#)
- [April 2014 (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2014/04)
- [July 2014 (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2014/07)
- [May 2016 (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2016/05)
- [July 2017 (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2017/07)
- [March 2026 (3)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2026/03)
- [September 2013 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2013/09)
- [October 2019 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2019/10)
- [February 2021 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/02)
- [March 2021 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/03)
- [July 2021 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2021 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/08)
- [June 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/06)
- [August 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/08)
- [September 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/09)
- [October 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/10)
- [November 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/11)
- [December 2022 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/12)
- [March 2023 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/03)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/10)
- [January 2024 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/01)
- [July 2024 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/07)
- [November 2025 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/11)
- [December 2025 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/12)
- [January 2026 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2026/01)
- [February 2026 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2026/02)
- [June 2026 (2)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2026/06)
- [September 2011 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2011/09)
- [November 2012 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2012/11)
- [October 2013 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2013/10)
- [December 2013 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2013/12)
- [May 2014 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2014/05)
- [February 2016 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2016/02)
- [June 2016 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2016/06)
- [June 2017 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2017/06)
- [August 2017 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2017/08)
- [October 2017 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2017/10)
- [November 2017 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/01)
- [March 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/03)
- [June 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/06)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/07)
- [August 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2018 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2018/11)
- [January 2019 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2019/01)
- [June 2019 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2019/06)
- [August 2019 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2019/08)
- [November 2019 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2019/11)
- [January 2020 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2020/01)
- [July 2020 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2020/07)
- [April 2021 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/04)
- [November 2021 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2021/11)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/03)
- [May 2022 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/05)
- [July 2022 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2022/07)
- [January 2023 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/01)
- [February 2023 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/02)
- [April 2023 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/04)
- [May 2023 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/05)
- [June 2023 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2023/06)
- [February 2024 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/02)
- [August 2024 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/08)
- [September 2024 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/09)
- [October 2024 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2024/10)
- [February 2025 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/02)
- [April 2025 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/04)
- [July 2025 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/08)
- [September 2025 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2025/09)
- [April 2026 (1)](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/archive/2026/04)
[More...](https://www.cubbison.com/blog/5-steps-you-can-take-to-ensure-optimal-product-functionality#)
**The Cubbison Company**
380 Victoria Road
Youngstown, OH 44515
**[(800)-733-4133](tel:800-733-4133)**
Copyright © 2025 The Cubbison Company. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.cubbison.com/privacy-policy).