PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT > Technical FAQs

• What are IDD’s development lead times?
• What are IDD’s production lead times after First Article Approval once the program
  transitions to production?
  
  
  
  

What are IDD’s development lead times?
If your program development time is limited, IDD can rapidly develop illuminated panels, keyboards and bezels as an active partner in your development program. IDD’s lightplate designs (which are not dependent on custom controls, knobs and potentiometers) are designed and produced in as little as 30 business days.

For electromechanical control panels and ISP such as keyboards, bezels and other customer projects, it’s best to allow 90 to 120 business days to allow the greatest flexibility in sourcing reliable, available components such as controls, knobs and potentiometers as well as optimizing the design for production cost-effectiveness. For digital control panels with DO178B documentation requirements, 12 months is recommended to develop, document and test the design.

Rapid prototyping is also a desirable step in facilitating the design process and can enhance the end product and avoid changes during critical path in the development cycle. Mockups with limited functionality can be built quickly to support this process.

Getting our engineering team involved early in your program to assist you with reviewing specifications and developing the design creates the best results in cost-effectiveness and design robustness.

What are IDD’s production lead times after First Article Approval once the program
transitions to production?
Depending on the contract with the customer, IDD’s current lead-times range from Kanban (Just in Time) programs to 26 week build-to-order agreements.

Production orders for previously produced lightplates generally ship within 20 business days for most recurring designs. (Express Service is available for an additional charge.)

Production orders for ISPs, keyboards, bezels and control panels, not under a long term purchasing agreement or contract generally ship in 8 to 16 weeks from receipt of order depending on the availability of integrated components.

During the production phase, IDD maintains the ability to perform most operations at our facility in Redmond, Washington. For processes that are not performed on-site, we have established relationships with suppliers throughout the world that allow quick access to specialty materials and processes. This provides the greatest flexibility in managing fluctuations in demand. On an annual basis, IDD delivers over 40,000 flight deck assemblies including illuminated panels, keyboards and control panels.