A successful product requires all the pieces to work together. They must work in harmony yet this is often one of the most difficult design challenges. Getting both hardware and software aligned requires a wide range of talents that span capabilities, functionality and complexity.
Core elements include:
Embedded Software
It should have the functionality to leverage everything from bare-metal through operating systems and APIs when needed.
Sensing, Connectivity and Control
Everything is connected -- will your product work with tomorrow in mind and leverage the most advanced sensors, controllers and wireless protocols?
Supplier Expertise
No matter how familiar are you with the components you are using there are always advantages to bringing in supplier certified solution architects to confirm suitability and/or suggest superior alternatives that make sense to you?