Production Management for Hardware Startups

The Manufacturing app for Startups supports the full product lifecycle from prototype builds to volume production. During the prototype phase, the system tracks engineering BOMs that change frequently as the design evolves. Each revision is documented with the changes, the test results, and the rationale. When the design stabilizes and you transition to production, the engineering BOM converts to a production BOM with costed components and defined routings.

Most hardware startups do not own factories, so contract manufacturer management matters. Yukti tracks the relationship with your CM: purchase orders, production schedules, quality requirements, and shipment tracking. When your CM produces a batch, you record the incoming inspection results against your quality specifications. If a batch fails inspection, the system manages the return, rework, or credit process with the manufacturer. This replaces managing the CM through email and spreadsheets.

Component sourcing and BOM cost management helps you control the cost of goods sold, which directly affects your margins and unit economics. Yukti maintains approved vendor lists for each component, tracks pricing across suppliers, and alerts you to cost changes that affect your product margin. When a component becomes unavailable or a price increase threatens your target cost, the system helps you evaluate alternatives by showing qualified second sources and their pricing.

Production scaling tools help you plan the transition from small batches to volume production. The system models how increasing volume affects component pricing (through volume discounts), tooling amortization, and per-unit costs. With this model you can plan manufacturing volumes that keep cost low while matching expected demand. For startups preparing for a product launch, it bases pricing decisions and revenue projections on cost data rather than estimates.