Then the question arises: what makes a product more than just an item on a shelf? Not all servers are equal, not every smart lock fits every door, not every air quality monitor tells the story of a safe workspace. Or worse, it looks fine at first glance, but the laptop does not quite meet the developer’s need, the ergonomic desk does not align with comfort, the contract software is not intuitive, tiny mismatches that add up to frustration.

A client that is unsure why a purchase does not feel right is one thing. A client that cannot pinpoint why a solution does not integrate seamlessly is far worse. Chances are there was not clarity, categorization, or a thoughtful presentation of options, there was not a way to connect servers, firewalls, printers, or mobility devices with workflows and safety needs. It is product strategy gone awry before the first click.