The medical device manufacturing industry is rife with opportunities because of endless demand. But surviving and thriving as a new business is easier said than done in the competitive space. You need to think beyond quality and pricing to stand apart and stay ahead of the competition. Everything boils down to building a sustainable presence with a robust customer base and good reputation. Here are some practical ways to reach your profitability and sustainability goals as a new manufacturer.

Identify and understand your target market

Like any other industry, identifying and understanding your target market is the key to the success of your products. If you begin without a clear view of the target customers, you may end up designing a product that will never sell. Define the needs and price expectations of the customers in the first place. Research the competitor products to develop design specifications and get a baseline for competitive pricing of your offerings. Also, ensure that your product offers a mix of performance, ease of use, and safety.

Begin with a robust design and development process

The industry is lucrative, and it is tempting to dive in without planning and preparation. But the approach can land you in a fix, so move on a strategic roadmap. Begin with a robust design and development process to ensure quality products. Testing and quality assurance should be a part of the design phase. Also, remember that you may have to make design changes more often than you imagine. Be prepared for such changes down the line and factor in cost and time accordingly. 

Give attention to detail 

A robust design for your product gives you a good start, but you cannot depend on the big picture alone. Give attention to details because your products should be flawless to ensure safety and usability. For example, carefully coated tubing and valves provide value to consumers, so make sure you do not skimp on coating materials. Manufacturers often focus more on product design and overlook coatings, only to miss out on consumer expectations. 

Rely on a proven process

A proven process keeps you ahead on the quality front, so do not cut corners with it. Ideally, you must have clear performance requirements and controls to ensure a seamless manufacturing process. Also, establish protocols for implementing design verification and process validation and implement them stringently. Keep track of risks and defects through regular inspections to prevent flaws and quality issues in the long run. 

Prioritize continuous improvement

With medical device manufacturing, there are always better ways to do things. Be open to continuous improvement with new equipment, assembly methods, technologies, and techniques whenever they are around. Moreover, remember that every device is different. Some may even require innovative manufacturing solutions to match quality and safety expectations. Trying something outside the box helps you provide better products, gain a competitive advantage, and build the reputation of your business.

As a new medical device manufacturer, the road to sustainability may seem long and daunting. But you can make it easy by pushing a little more to achieve a better design that ensures high quality, usability, and safety.