Our Approach
We use our Concept to Revenue-Ready™ process to solve everyday problems with extraordinary solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team utilizes its internal capabilities at every step of the development process to guide our clients through the best critical path to success.
For whichever stage of the process you need our help, we apply our research, creative, and technical expertise to make your project Revenue-Ready™. We go beyond our clients’ expectations to find the perfect nth solution.
Our Vertical Integration Process
Market & IP Research
“Begin with the end in mind.” –Stephen Covey
We ask our clients how they ultimately envision their concept becoming successful. With this vision in mind, we ask the right questions: How can this product be improved? What’s missing from these shelves? What’s not on the table that should be? We find our answers through qualitative and quantitative market research, where we establish the potential size of the market, barriers to entry, existing competitors, and possible exit strategies.
Parallel to the market research, we perform extensive intellectual property searches to determine and identify any patents, trademarks, or prior art, that may be related to our client’s concept or product. Based upon our analysis, we then craft the necessary IP to protect that concept or product. Or, in collaboration with our client, we help determine if an opportunity exists to develop a new product or improve upon an existing one.
Design
“Every great design begins with an even better story.” –Lorinda Mamo
Listening to our client and understanding their overall goal for the project is our first priority. Keeping these objectives in mind, we are able to frame out the necessary paths to achieve the end goal, particularly with regard to IP development and future revenue streams.
Defining these parameters helps to determine the physical, mechanical, or electronic design components of the product. Strongly focused on User Experience Design (UXD), we give careful consideration to the look, feel, presentation, and interactivity of the product as a way to enhance customer satisfaction and promote brand loyalty. We go beyond simply meeting the client’s expectations by exploring a broad range of design solutions, as well as alternative design enhancements, to further increase the value of the original concept.
Marketing
“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” –Will Rogers
Your core marketing message is the essence of your brand or company. It must communicate your company’s values and personality in a way that is relatable for your audience. Our focus is on understanding your market and accurately defining who you’re selling to in order to ensure the right message is communicated, and to the right audience.
Combining research, design, and revenue objectives, our team creates comprehensive marketing strategies to engage your target audience. We develop both digital and physical marketing materials from website design and social media to flyers, brochures, and retail packaging, all of which are protected through trademarks and product registration marks. We convey brand identity through these materials in a way that is unique and identifiable to provide a meaningful connection with the end user, and to distinctly separate you from your competition.
Manufacturing
“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” –Mark Twain
The manufacturing phase makes the intangible tangible; it allows the concept to become three-dimensional. It unifies concept, research, and design, and transforms them into a working prototype.
Our key areas of expertise include embedded control, reverse engineering, analog, digital, RF, infrared and circuit board design. Having our own 3-D printer and machine shop on-site enables us to quickly refine, modify, and improve on any elements which ultimately lead towards the final production model. Whether the best critical path for our client is in-house production, utilizing contract manufacturers, or exploring overseas production, we analyze all options to maximize profit margins.
Of course, no manufacturing process is complete without implementing quality control measures. We develop the testing equipment and draft the requisite procedures to ensure a product is of the highest standards and exceeds the expectation of the ultimate end user, as well as our client.
Distribution
“Having a great idea for a product is important, but having a great idea for product distribution is even more important.” –Reid Hoffman
Whether your goal is long-term retail distribution, e-commerce, or an exit strategy such as licensing, buyout, liquidation, or acquisition, our valuable vertical integration process is built to maximize revenue for your product.
nth examines and reviews all necessary supply chain logistics (i.e. transportation, warehousing, shipping, material planning and control, GDSN, and UPC creation) to provide a plan on how to best distribute your product. In utilizing our network and years of industry experience, we help you navigate the world of wholesalers, retailers, and consumer fulfillment to make your project Revenue-ReadyTM.
Ready for your nth solution?
Call Susan Springsteen, Managing Partner, at 610.594.2191