# 478: The Map Is Not the Territory

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2024-05-30
- Length: 55m
- Episode: 478
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/478

## Summary

Jan Rychter, founder of PartsBox, explains how a simple desire to track electronic components evolved into a complex software platform for inventory and production control. He discusses the surprising finding that only about 250,000 unique parts are actually used in hobbyist and small-scale commercial builds, despite millions existing. Rychter also critiques the embedded software ecosystem, noting that electrical engineers often write poorly designed software due to a lack of training in software design patterns and abstraction.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=6) Introduction: Jan Rychter and PartsBox
- [1:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=84) Lightning Round: Tools and Cereals
- [4:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=254) The Complexity of Component Inventory Software
- [10:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=645) Sole Founder Strategy and PartsBox Stability
- [16:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=980) Printing Labels and Browser Limitations
- [20:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=1248) EEs Writing Software and Design Patterns
- [26:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=1604) Embedded Tools vs. High-Level Software
- [35:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=2100) The NE555P and Top 250k Parts Analysis
- [39:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=2359) Advice for Founders: Stay Technical and Avoid VC
- [48:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory#t=2932) The Lack of Electronic Parts Taxonomy

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- PartsBox (product)
- DigiKey (company)
- NE555P (chip)
- Zephyr (tool)
- Clojure (other)
- core.async (other)
- Kubernetes (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Component Management with Jan Rychter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-05-17-component-management-with-jan-rychter) (The Amp Hour)
- [Don't Turn It On, Don't Take It Apart](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart) (The Amp Hour)
- [Stories from Teardown 2019](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-07-08-stories-from-teardown-2019) (The Amp Hour)
- [Otiose Ontocyclic Opiniasters](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-01-30-otiose-ontocyclic-opiniasters) (The Amp Hour)
- [What's In A Name?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-08-07-whats-in-a-name) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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