From Prototype to Production: Scaling Hard Tech Supply Chains With David Frank | Vserve

🎙️ In the latest episode of the Vserve Supply Chain Perspectives Podcast, we sit down with David Frank, founder & president Solversa Inc., with nearly 30 years of experience across technology development, manufacturing, operations, and procurement. David helps companies navigate the transition from early-stage research and development to pilot deployment and commercial production. The conversation explores why supply chain management looks different for hard-tech startups, particularly those in clean technology, where physical products must move through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing scale-up. David shares how product lifecycle management (PLM), product data management, master data standardization, procurement systems, and inventory management can help startups build the operational foundations they need to grow. This episode offers practical insights for founders looking to balance technical development with the systems and processes needed for long-term growth. ⏱️ *Timestamps* 00:00 – Choosing the Right Supply Chain Tools for Startups 00:51 – Introduction to David Frank 01:29 – David’s Journey From Engineering to Supply Chain 05:06 – Understanding Hard-Tech Startups 06:36 – Clean Technology and Physical Product Development 07:25 – Moving From the Lab to Production 09:32 – Introducing Supply Chain Systems Early 09:53 – Product Data Management and Product Lifecycle Management 11:39 – Standardizing Product and Master Data 13:45 – Managing Part Revisions and Preventing Errors 15:28 – When Spreadsheets Stop Working 18:32 – Bridging Engineering, R&D, and Operations 18:54 – Implementing PLM and Procure-to-Pay Systems 21:09 – Balancing Operational Needs and Business Priorities 22:18 – Choosing Practical, Scalable Software Tools 25:51 – Supporting Hard-Tech Founders Through Growth 26:19 – Technology Support and Operational Consulting 27:16 – Establishing Processes Before Automation 28:20 – Preparing for Integrated ERP Systems 29:10 – A Consultative Approach to Startup Growth 30:56 – Key Takeaways for Hard-Tech Startup Founders 31:27 – How to Connect With David Frank 🔗 Looking to streamline your supply chain with dedicated offshore teams? Explore our Supply Chain Services: https://vservesolution.com/supply-cha... Enjoyed the conversation? Like, comment, and subscribe to Vserve Ebusiness Solutions for more conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of supply chain management. 🎧 Explore the Vserve Supply Chain Perspectives podcast playlist for more expert discussions on supply chain, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and technology.