Jumping into mass production without a pilot run is like launching a rocket without a test fire, risky, costly, and likely to go wrong. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the Sofeast team break down what the pilot run process really is, why it's non-negotiable in any serious manufacturing project, and what happens when companies try to cut corners. Suppose you're developing a new product and plan to manufacture it in China or elsewhere in Asia. This episode makes you aware of the dangers of skipping critical steps and the true purpose of pilot runs.   Episode Sections: 00:00 – Introduction00:31 – Why mass production must be preceded by pilot runs01:17 – What most companies misunderstand about being "ready" for production02:30 – What should come after a final prototype03:15 – Typical factory behavior in China vs. Japan/Europe05:00 – How some Chinese factories manipulate urgency06:30 – When fast decisions lead to irreversible mistakes07:50 – How experienced project managers balance speed with process10:26 – The fallacy of “shortcuts save time”16:00 – The temptation to deliver pilot units early (and why it backfires)17:30 – Risks of skipping pilot runs: Case studies and real-world examples20:00 – Explaining risks to customers who want to move fast22:32 – Customization and Risks25:29 – Essential Pre-Production Checks29:00 – Process improvements and learnings before mass production30:31 – Wrap-up and further resources   Related content... What is a pilot run? The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! The New Product Introduction Process Guide How we help you get to market faster (at our contract manufacturer) Pilot Run Best Practices   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB