Why custom-part sourcing is breaking hardware teams

The article discusses the persistent challenge hardware teams face in sourcing custom mechanical parts, a problem that remains critical in 2025 despite advances in hardware development and AI-driven acceleration. Traditional sourcing methods—instant-quote platforms and contracting local machine shops—each have significant drawbacks. Instant-quote platforms often lead to inflated costs, lack transparency, and inconsistent quality, while local shops suffer from limited capacity, long lead times, and supply-chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by geopolitical and trade uncertainties. These bottlenecks hinder engineering velocity, which is increasingly crucial for competitive advantage in industries like aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial machinery. To address these issues, the article introduces Jiga, a specialized sourcing platform designed specifically for professional engineering teams working on complex hardware. Unlike typical instant-quote marketplaces, Jiga offers a vetted network of machine shops, global sourcing capabilities, and a communication interface that facilitates direct interaction between engineers and suppliers. This approach ensures reliable production pipelines, quality assurance, and capacity planning, transforming sourcing from a