Translate "Engineering Hours" Into Cash Flow Projections.

You know the product needs custom firmware.

But what does “1,400 engineering hours” mean for the bottom line?

And how much of that work can be offloaded to free your internal team for V2 features?

Answer a few questions about system architecture.

Multiply by your fully-burdened engineer cost, and you have the real development cost—before you sign an NRE agreement.

Project Success Calculator

Identify potential risks in your embedded systems project and receive personalised recommendations from ByteSnap Design's expert engineering team

This assessment methodology is based on over 400 man-years of embedded systems project experience across hardware design, firmware development, FPGA implementation, ATEX compliance, and IoT deployment

Question 1 of 10
Question 1 of 10
Select the option that best describes your primary focus
Wireless communication, cloud connectivity, sensor networks
Hazardous environment equipment, Zone 0/1/2 certification
High-performance processing, IP protection, custom logic
Microcontroller-based system, real-time embedded code
Regulatory compliance required (IEC 62304, ISO 13485, FDA)
Ruggedised design, reliable operation, factory environments
Please select your project type
Question 2 of 10
Understanding your development stage helps identify stage-specific risks
Exploring technical options, initial requirements gathering
Schematic design, PCB layout, firmware architecture, specifications
Building and testing early versions, design validation
Preparing for manufacturing, production transition, pilot runs
Existing project with technical issues, stalled development, performance problems
Please select your development stage
Question 3 of 10
Tight deadlines significantly increase project risk if technical challenges aren't addressed early
Critical deadline, extreme time pressure
Tight deadline, high time pressure
Moderate pressure, typical commercial timeline
Comfortable timeline, allows for proper development
Flexible, quality-focused timeline
Please select your timeline
Question 4 of 10
⚠️ Select all that apply — compliance issues caught late can add months to your timeline
No certification required, development or internal use only
Electromagnetic compatibility, standard CE marking, radio equipment directive
EU Cyber Resilience Act, IEC 62443, EN 18031, ETSI EN 303 645
ISO 26262 functional safety, ASPICE, automotive EMC
Intrinsically safe certification for hazardous areas
IEC 62304, ISO 13485, FDA regulations, clinical trials
Please select at least one regulatory requirement
Question 5 of 10
⚠️ Select all that apply — multiple challenges compound project risk
RF performance, range, interference, antenna design, field deployment
Ultra-low power design, energy harvesting, battery optimisation
Speed, throughput, real-time constraints, computational demands
Energy limitation, fault tolerance, fail-safe operation
Multiple subsystems, complex architecture, legacy system integration
Long product lifecycle, supply chain risk, future availability
Please select at least one technical challenge
Question 6 of 10
Understanding capability gaps helps identify where external expertise adds most value
Need complete design service from concept to production
Mechanical team or other disciplines, limited embedded expertise
Strong PCB design capability, limited embedded software expertise
Strong software team, limited hardware design capability
Capable team but lack bandwidth for additional projects
General capability but lack specific skills (ATEX, FPGA, wireless, etc.)
Please select your team capability level
Question 7 of 10
⚠️ Select all that apply — past issues help predict future risks and inform mitigation strategies
Post-launch problems, product recalls, warranty claims
Certification delays, EMC failures, regulatory submission issues
Scaling problems, yield issues, design for manufacturing challenges
System not meeting specification, inadequate processing power
Budget exceeded, unit cost too high, component pricing problems
Missed deadlines, extended development cycles, late discoveries
Forced redesigns, supply chain disruptions, end-of-life component issues
No prior development experience or past projects were successful
Please select at least one option
Question 8 of 10
⚠️ Select all that apply — competing constraints require careful prioritisation and trade-off management
Launch deadline is non-negotiable, market window is critical
Fixed investment limit, NRE costs are constrained
Must hit target price point, margin pressure
Cannot compromise on performance, reputation risk
Team bandwidth is limited, resource constraints
Willing to invest appropriately for right outcome, no extreme constraints
Please select at least one constraint
Question 9 of 10
Understanding risk tolerance helps prioritise recommendations and mitigation strategies
Product must work perfectly, no room for failure or field issues
Willing to accept some risk with proper mitigation plans
Early-stage product, can iterate and improve post-launch
Please select your risk tolerance
Question 10 of 10
⚠️ Select all that apply — external pressures add complexity and constrain options
Competitors launching similar products, market timing critical
New standards taking effect, compliance deadline approaching
Pre-sold units, contractual delivery dates, customer expectations
Must demonstrate progress for next funding round, investor pressure
Component shortages, long lead times, supplier issues
Project driven by internal roadmap and planning
Please select at least one option

ByteSnap Design | Embedded Electronics & Software Consultancy

ISO 9001:2015 Certified | NXP Gold Partner | 17+ Years Supporting UK Manufacturers

This risk assessment methodology is based on over 400 man-years of embedded systems project experience across hardware, firmware, FPGA, ATEX, and IoT development. Scoring ranges: 0-100 (Low-Moderate Risk), 101-200 (Medium-High Risk), 201-470 (High Risk). For a detailed technical risk analysis specific to your project requirements, please contact our engineering team for a consultation.

DISCLAIMER: This calculator provides an indicative success probability for informational purposes only. Project outcomes depend on specific technical variables; always consult with a qualified engineer before beginning development

High Engineering Lift?

If your assessment indicates significant effort, don’t let it stall your roadmap.

Our senior engineers can help you refine scope, identify risk mitigations, or provide a detailed feasibility proposal.

Request a Feasibility Consultation

Straightforward Migration?

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