Porticos, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the senior program manager at a technology company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Porticos, Inc.?

We needed support designing and building an assembly we would later use in our new product introduction portfolio. We had a resource need in mechanical architecture to support our timelines. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Porticos, Inc. has John (Design Engineer) to support us in modeling, UX reviews, scheduling design reviews, engaging with suppliers, and detailing design work. We provided our design package, which was fully vetted and approved by our team for scale and build. Initially, we assigned a computer to John so he could access our database and existing components and files within the design tools. We also work with a mentor who understands our design tools. 

We've integrated John into our team and have a cross-functional team. The intent behind having an integrated team is to ensure we provide real-time feedback to John since we have a finite amount of time to work with him. We've provided samples with which the product would interface, and the team has started reviewing design options. We've looked at options based on costs, fit, and best understanding of how those features would work. 

After we've settled on a set of features, we've integrated suppliers into the conversation. We've contacted our plastic and steel suppliers and received real-time feedback about the design. Porticos, Inc. has changed the design based on our suppliers' feedback and is working simultaneously with those suppliers in the engineering process, which has yielded a product that we're comfortable with. 

We've reviewed the technical design and issued POS to the plastic manufacturers. The team is on hand to provide any early feedback needed during the design process. Porticos, Inc. is very engaged and involved in the feedback process. 

What is the team composition?

We work with roughly 10 teammates from Porticos, Inc. across multiple teams, including QA engineers, manufacturing engineers, a product manager, a service team, test engineers, and a director of engineering.

How did you come to work with Porticos, Inc.?

We had previously worked with Porticos, Inc. on another project. For this project, I contacted Greg (CFO) and reviewed design requirements with him. I requested a quote, and Greg provided feedback about the project's timeline. We negotiated, and Greg was flexible and accommodating, providing different options. We reviewed the quote internally and awarded Porticos, Inc. the contract based on our last settlement's design. Porticos, Inc. assigned a resource and defined a kick-off day.
How much have you invested with them?

We have a budget of $65,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Porticos, Inc. in January 2024, and the team completed the deliverables two weeks ago. Our agreement is open-ended and ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We haven't launched the product yet, but in terms of time to market, we're on track to meet the market's targets. Porticos, Inc. has completed the product and is starting to support internal testing. Their work quality is exceptionally high in terms of form and function. We've done engineering evaluations, and the team meets all the needed specifications and requirements. 

Moreover, the product's preliminary verification testing looks well. We're happy with Porticos, Inc.'s design; it's a simple and elegant solution that we know will pay dividends for us regarding manufacturability, field installations, and overall functionality.

How did Porticos, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Porticos, Inc. meets the project's deadline and budget target. We're on track to meet the market's time requirements. Porticos, Inc. presents updates weekly, and we have weekly meetings where we set delivery expectations. Our overall communication with Porticos, Inc. is very good.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

We mainly work with Greg and John throughout the entire process, who are both incredible. Greg has a lot of experience. He has helped our brainstorming process and came up with a tremendous amount of ideas and input. John has good experience on the mechanical side, and we have no worries in terms of visibility when executing detailed designs or creating the product. John and Greg have been exceptional throughout the process, from kick-off to gathering information and engaging with suppliers. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Porticos, Inc. is very good at translating our requirements and understanding what we need quickly. The team works well with our suppliers, and I feel like they're internal teammates. Porticos, Inc.'s knowledge and domain in mechanical engineering and program management are on par with our expectations.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest scoping your requirements before engaging with Porticos, Inc. and ensuring you engage frequently on the front end to ensure the understanding is there. After you have that in place, you're off to a good start. Porticos, Inc. understands how to translate the customer's voice and how to ask the right questions to make decisions regarding features and functionalities. The team has enough experience working with other programs and products to bring their experience to the table. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the principal systems engineer for Asensus Surgical, a surgical robotics company working on digital surgery. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Porticos, Inc.?

We’ve hired Porticos, Inc. for firmware and mechanical development; they were also hired to assist with design. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We brought Porticos, Inc. in during the initial ideation and prototyping phases. We’ve given them business requirements, and they collaborate with us in an iterative process to develop various options for the components we ask for. The team helps us select and build the appropriate components to move forward. This product is then integrated with our prototype and delivered to us. 

Porticos, Inc. has been embedded in our team and comes to our meetings. They’ve been responsible for owning specific components in the process; they work independently and with our team. The team has been helping us develop various features for our surgeon interface; this includes electrical, mechanical, and firmware support. Porticos, Inc. primarily uses SOLIDWORKS, Altium, and Arduino.

What is the team composition?

We primarily work with two individuals. 

How did you come to work with Porticos, Inc.?

Someone within our company had previously worked with Porticos, Inc. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2022, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We don’t have any hard metrics at this point, but we have used multiple contractors previously, and Porticos, Inc. has been the company that always delivers for us. Their team works extremely fast; they have delivered triple the amount that other companies did in the same time period. 

Porticos, Inc. supplies us with high-quality work, and the components that we’ve built with them are functional. They’ve delivered high-fidelity prototypes that we have been pleased with. 

How did Porticos, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve been very happy with their project management; the team has even exceeded our expectations on multiple occasions. They take feedback in stride and work to build the best products for us. We use Jira as a communication and project management tool. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

We want to shout out David (Principal Product Development Engineer) and Troy (Senior Project Lead); they’ve been fantastic to work with. Some of the products we’re working on have been challenging to build, and everyone has different expectations. When the feedback hasn’t been as positive, they’ve been willing to go back to the drawing board to get one step closer to the right direction. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They work efficiently and come up with creative solutions. We wish that we would have partnered with them sooner. There were a lot of things that Porticos, Inc. could have helped with earlier on. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we can come up with. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Set up clear interfaces and business requirements; let Porticos, Inc. have ownership of projects and connect them with other project pieces. This has been very effective for our partnership; they'll deliver for you if you give them accountability. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Strategic Program Manager for Research and Development for a Telephony / VoIP Captioning Service Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Porticos, Inc., and what were your goals?

We needed to update our telephony product and hired Porticos to assist with the coordination of the design and testing of prototype PCBs and firmware.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Porticos were selected prior to my arrival at this company. However, they have proven themselves to be a valuable partner.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Porticos coordinated with other vendors and our company on the schedule, design, and development of prototype PCBs firmware, and various testing activities. They also provided support while working through various supply chain challenges, including redesign and alternative component selection and testing.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A project manager/Engineer and an electrical engineer were our primary points of contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Porticos have assisted in keeping this project on schedule. They have also been invaluable in providing coordination, design, and testing protocols with our other vendors.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Porticos utilized Microsoft Project and supplied weekly updates and reports via Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Meet.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their responsiveness and ability to adapt quickly were impressive. They have always been available at various times during the day for meetings and quick consults.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of an electronics manufacturer that designs and develops infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Porticos, Inc.?

They provided design services, collaborating with us to design and develop a prototype, proof of concept system that would validate our technology.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed our product, which involves physical circuits and the electrical and mechanical design of original components. We worked together on the requirements and collaborated on the architecture of the product. Porticos was responsible for implementing the architecture into the design. The largest issue was the size of the product, so Portico helped us miniaturize the design.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two electrical engineers, one mechanical engineer, and one project manager.

How did you come to work with Porticos, Inc.?

I used them at previous companies I worked at.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since July 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We were pushing an aggressive timeline, and Porticos was sensitive to that timeline, doing what was necessary to drive success in our constraints. The collaboration went well; we both made good trade-offs and decisions to get the proof of concept ready to go.

Porticos, Inc. attacked the problem with intelligence, focus, knowledge, and urgency.

How did Porticos, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve met our expectations for project management and communicated over emails, phone calls, and Google Drive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a good understanding of engineering, from both the electrical and mechanical perspectives.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re pretty practical in terms of what needs to be done, and I don’t have any negative considerations. It’s always challenging being a startup with a sense of urgency, but Porticos has handled it well. They’re not employees of our company, so there will always be a limit to the amount of urgency you can expect from contractors, but this is just a reality, not a negative comment.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clearly define your expectations and schedule, and stay connected with them to ensure collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I support client companies in the design, development, and launch of new and innovative products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Porticos, Inc.?

My client was behind schedule on the development and prototyping of a novel piece of material handling equipment for a major global retailer. Our first engineering firm provided adequate support in the initial conceptual stages of development but were incapable of the detailed engineering design work required to carry the concept to initial prototype unit. Porticos stepped in and immediately accelerated progress on reaching my clients stringent deadlines.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Porticos was selected based on my experience working with them in the past, their experience in creating prototype systems, and their ability to accomplish the extensive detailed design activities within our challenging timeline.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Many aspect of the project are still very proprietary so I am only able to speak at a fairly high level.

Step 1 was to understand the initial concept and develop the detailed CAD models for our phase 1 proof of concept.
Step 2 was to work directly with my client and the potential end user customer to understand needs, ergonomic concerns, safety requirements, and prototype testing requirements.
Step 3 was to extend the conceptual CAD to reflect updated customer requirements and develop the prototype 1 production drawings.
Step 4 was to assist in the prototype build and customer demonstrations at the customer site.
Step 5 was to begin extending the prototype 1 design into a next generation prototype 2 that is now going into initial production and test.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4 - Project manager, primary engineering designer, two support designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our customer continues to move forward on launch plans for the new material handling system. Porticos continues to remain involved.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with the Porticos team was extremely simple and results were quick to achieve. The designers have always remained flexible to changing requirements. They also provide insights to support the project with design improvement concepts.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their responsiveness and technical prowess were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am an executive of a medical technology company. We create or improve upon medical devices and have multiple patents and inventions. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Porticos, Inc.?

We had a medical device in one of our departments and wanted to take it from manual to fully automated. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Porticos, Inc. has been responsible for the full-scale project. We started with an idea, and they’ve taken it to a complete prototype. We’ve gone through the whole design and manufacturing process together. The project has included building the hardware that software will eventually go into. 

The device currently has the capability of taking in software, but we did not program it to anything specific because every hospital has a different system for keeping medical records. We will program the device to whatever hospital chooses to use the product. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve had a different number of individuals working with us during various stages. At the most, we’ve worked with about six people; this has included chemists and engineers. 

How did you come to work with Porticos, Inc.?

We researched and interviewed multiple companies and eventually narrowed it down to two. We ultimately chose Porticos, Inc. because they seemed very willing to work with us and highly responsive. They were also really great about leading us through the process and giving us a high level of care. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $375,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2020, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

One of our successes has been Porticos, Inc.’s ability to build a prototype, test it, and then come back with a beta version that has solved all of the issues we had in the first version. They have been willing to solve every problem that comes up, which we consider a success in itself. 

To sum it up, their team has been able to take a concept that I had in my head and bring it to life. 

How did Porticos, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve provided us with exceptional project management. Everything they’ve sent to us is professional, and they are detail-oriented in their approach. When they say they are going to do something, they always do it, and it is crystal clear. They are transparent and always keep us updated regardless of what is happening. Any time we’ve had any questions, they have always been willing to answer them. 

We communicate primarily via email and use a project management tool. Their CEO was also always available to speak to us. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve been impressed with the entire team; everyone has been professional, timely, and respectful. Porticos, Inc. listens to what we say and delivers based on that. We feel like this has truly been a team effort. We’ve also been impressed with their willingness to work with a startup and how smooth that process has been. They work with us for billing, which has been huge and has made a big difference in the product. 

Porticos, Inc. is dedicated to ensuring the product is correct and will not stop until it’s right. Their team also collaborates effectively and makes everyone feel like they are an equal. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Everyone on their team is so seasoned that bringing in a few newer employees fresh out of college with a slightly different perspective might be advantageous. These individuals normally have a good idea of what is happening in the world and can bring in that new energy. If Porticos, Inc. could mix some of these newer individuals onto their team, that would only make them better. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Being close in proximity to Porticos, Inc. helps because you can go in and see the process for yourself. If you can see the project during the development process to make any changes, it will be less expensive. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Engineering Manager of a consumer products company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

High-power fast EV Charger development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Porticos, Inc. to accomplish?

• Drawing Creation
• Thermal Analysis
• Industrial Design

SOLUTION

How did you find Porticos, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Porticos, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Porticos, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Industrial design, component layout, and thermal analysis for next generation charger development

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were quickly able to iterate through different industrial design concepts, and able to identify potential thermal issues prior to beginning prototype fabrication

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project management at porticos has always been responsive, communicative, and able to understand technical requirements and details

What was your primary form of communication with Porticos, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Porticos offers a pretty wide range of engineering services, many/most of which don't fit our particular use case (like contract manufacturing). Because they have a wide range of expertise in house, they are able to support more complex products and think beyond just prototype stages.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Porticos, Inc. could have done differently?

Working with Porticos is not inexpensive, but that is an expected reality of contract engineering work. I do think the communication, speed, and quality of work exceeds other lower-cost options we have explored, so there is "value" for the incremental costs incurred.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of an Electrical infrastructure company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Electrical infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Porticos, Inc. to accomplish?

• Firmware development
• Testing
• Validation

SOLUTION

How did you find Porticos, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Porticos, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Porticos, Inc. were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Porticos was hired to co-develop custom firmware for a new, complex product line, including the testing and validation of that new code.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Design, development, testing and validation of new, custom firmware.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Porticos took a proactive approach to project management. They consistently delivered high quality work on time or ahead of schedule and were extremely responsive to our needs, flexing resources on short notice to accommodate our project and needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Porticos, Inc.?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

First and foremost, Porticos is comprised of high quality engineers. Kevin and his team are not only capable, but they proactively anticipate our needs and were flexible with staffing as the project velocity evolved.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Porticos, Inc. could have done differently?

No. I do not have a single complaint or issue with their performance. Porticos will be my first call the next time I need firmware work completed, and I have no reservations about recommending them to any company who is considering hiring them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the CTO of a research company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Research, Development and Prototype Projects with specialty in low volume niche production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Porticos, Inc. to accomplish?

• Proof of Concept Engineering Study
• Alpha prototype delivery
• Beta prototype delivery and technical drawing package

SOLUTION

How did you find Porticos, Inc.?

Personal connection

Why did you select Porticos, Inc. over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Porticos, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Sportfishing aftermarket product with proof of concept, alpha/beta prototypes deliverables, and professional drawing package for utility patent submission.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• cross platform scalability
•  3D printable and injection mold ready design constraint
• target price at low volume production.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

• Project management was on time and on target. 
• Needs were met and responded to in a very timely manner.

What was your primary form of communication with Porticos, Inc.?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their creative problem-solving approach and ease of communication were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Porticos, Inc. could have done differently?

The only area for improvement would be automated weekly update on billable hours