meiadmin, Author at Means Engineering, Inc.

Ensuring Quality When Using a Contract Manufacturer

December 6, 2019 By meiadmin

There are numerous benefits to using a contract manufacturer. In addition to reducing costs and time-to-market, outsourcing also allows for better allocation of staff and greater flexibility. Despite the benefits, many organizations still worry that outsourcing will equate to lower quality products. While monitoring quality is a little more difficult when you outsource, there are a few things you can do to ensure high quality products. In fact, partnering with the right CM can actually improve the quality of the products you produce.

Quality Management System

Companies that have a comprehensive Quality Management System in place have taken the time and steps needed to ensure quality assurance. Look for a company with AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification. It also helps to look for a CM that has experience working with a wide range of industries. This provides numerous benefits to companies looking to expand into new markets.

Clear Communication

Before partnering with a CM, make sure there’s a clear line of communication. It’s normal and expected to have regular meetings throughout the design and production process to ensure everyone is on the same page. It’s also important that the CM you work with notifies you of any changes before they occur. This should be clearly stated in your contract.

It’s also important to have a system in place to manage and interpret the information provided by the contract manufacturer.

Communication Timeline

It’s important to establish communication standards including response times and who will be responsible for managing communications. This is extremely important before beginning any project.

You want to make sure that you can get in touch with the CM if there is a recall or other issue with a part or component used in your product. Alternatively, you need to let consumers know if their device is not affected by the recall. The last thing you want is to have to wait for a reply.

Means Engineering has years of experience working with numerous industries. We work directly with each of our clients throughout the entire project, from design to completion. Please contact us to learn more about our contract manufacturing services.

Creating High Quality Products for the Aerospace Industry

November 29, 2019 By meiadmin

At Means Engineering, we understand the unique needs of the aerospace industry. No matter how big or small the project, we strive to deliver high quality products and service on time and on budget. When it comes to the aerospace industry, we understand the importance of high quality, reliable devices. We take all necessary steps to ensure each part and component meets strict requirements for quality and reliability.

Our team has years of experience with design and builds, redesigns, and troubleshooting devices and components for the aerospace industry. We follow strict compliance requirements and test each part throughout production. Our Quality Management System helps mitigate risk and ensures accurate documentation and reporting.

Creating Reliable Devices for Mission Critical Operations

Proper operation is crucial when it comes to devices used by the aerospace Industry. If devices fail, it could cause serious harm or injury. This is why it’s so important to work with a contract manufacturer that has experience creating devices for the aerospace Industry.

Means Engineering carries AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification. We use up-to-date technology and techniques and thoroughly test each component during production. This helps catch issues sooner, when they’re easier to fix. Our dedication to quality control allows us to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Experienced Team

Means Engineering employs an experienced team of designers and engineers. We are well-equipped to provide your organization with a second set of eyes for your design plans. This can help your organization locate potential problems or locate ways to reduce cost or improve the quality of finished products. We work directly with you throughout every step of the project.

From Design to Completion

When utilized during the design process, Means Engineering can help locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement. This helps catch issues prior to production. It also helps reduce cost and locate ways that could simplify production and/or improve the quality of the finished product. Getting a CM involved early in the process provides the greatest chance of success.

Please contact us to learn more about our services for the aerospace Industry.

Why Do Businesses Outsource?

November 22, 2019 By meiadmin

Not that long ago, most businesses were reluctant to outsource the manufacturing of their products. This has changed in recent years, with businesses of all shapes and sizes outsourcing production at an alarming rate. While many businesses argue that outsourcing makes sense for larger corporations with extremely high demand, smaller businesses may benefit even more from outsourcing. Outsourcing allows companies to create a large number of high quality devices, faster, and at a lower cost than possible in-house.

There are numerous benefits to outsourcing. The following are just a few of the main reasons companies outsource.

Fulfill Periods of High Demand

Organizations often find they do not have the resources needed to fulfill periods of high demand. Outsourcing allows these businesses to keep up with consumer demand without having to purchase extra equipment and space to create and store new products in-house. This is one of the most common reasons businesses outsource.

Create Products for New Markets

Companies that wish to move into new markets often learn that many industries have strict requirements for device operation and reliability. This is especially true for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries.

Utilizing a contract manufacturer provides access to individuals with years of experience. Quality CMs understand strict requirements and know how to test products and components to be sure they’ll perform reliably even under harsh conditions.

Free Up Resources

Producing products in-house takes a lot of time and effort. When an organization outsources, they free up their time, money, and people. Money that the organization would typically spend on production can be used for marketing or other efforts instead.

Increase Quality

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturer is that it allows organizations to increase the quality of the products they produce. CMs utilize the latest technology and techniques. They use state-of-the-art equipment and machinery and they understand what works and what does not. This puts them in the best possible position to create a wide range of high quality products.

Means Engineering has helped numerous organizations create high quality devices. Please contact us to learn how outsourcing can help your business succeed.

Reducing Manufacturing Costs

November 15, 2019 By meiadmin

There are numerous benefits to partnering with a qualified contract manufacturer. In addition to improved quality and customer satisfaction, companies that outsource save a considerable amount of money. While the actual savings will vary based on industry and types of products being produced, all companies that outsource save in the following ways:

Equipment, Machinery & Quality Staff

Companies that choose to create products in-house must obtain their own equipment, technology, machines, and people. They must also find a location large enough for production, storage, and daily operations. This can take a lot of time and money. Most start-ups and small businesses simply do not have the capital needed to produce products in-house. Unfortunately, without the right equipment and knowledgeable staff, these companies quickly fall behind their competition.

Outsourcing provides companies with access to the latest technology, equipment, and knowledgeable staff without having to purchase or obtain anything in-house. Contract Manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products for a wide range of industries. This can make all of the difference in the world to a smaller business. Even larger organizations can benefit from outsourcing part or all of their production, especially when attempting to enter new markets.

Quality Testing

Experienced contract manufacturers follow strict requirements and perform testing throughout all stages of production. This helps catch potential problems early, before they are able to cause problems with the finished product. Quality CMs know how to solve a wide range of issues and can make recommendations on how to fix potential problems.

Regular testing of all parts and components helps prevent defects and ensures the quality and consistency of products produced. This can save a lot of time and money and help protect the company’s reputation with consumers.

Increased Productivity

Using an experienced contract manufacturer helps ensure products get to market faster. This improves customer satisfaction rates and helps companies keep up with consumer demand. Outsourcing also frees up in-house resources, allowing staff to focus on growing the business and marketing new products. While this isn’t a direct savings of using a contract manufacturer, increased productivity can definitely improve a company’s bottom line.

Contract Manufacturers Help Companies Succeed

November 8, 2019 By meiadmin

Consumers today expect businesses to release a constant stream of new electronics with more features and functionality than ever before. It’s clear that start-ups and smaller companies need to look for alternate ways to produce and deliver new products if they wish to succeed.

Unfortunately, many companies simply do not have the time, resources, space, and quality management system in place to produce high quality products quickly and within budget.

Working with a contract manufacturer makes it possible for companies to produce a wide range of products without having to obtain the people, space, equipment, and technology needed to design, produce, test, and store new products and components.

Access the Right People, Technology, and Equipment

With so many companies producing electronic devices, quality and consistency can set a company apart. However, it’s important to note that even with the best quality management system in place, companies need to have the right people, technology, space, and specialized equipment to create high quality electronic devices. Without these pieces, there is no way a company can succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.

Reduce Costs

An experienced contract manufacturer, like Means Engineering Inc., works directly with your company from design to completion. During the design phase, the right CM can help locate areas in your design plans that could benefit from improvement. This might include switching out a certain material or adjusting measurements. When utilized during the design phase, an experienced CM can provide valuable advice to improve the quality of finished products and/or reduce the cost of production. This could be just what your company needs to get ahead of the competition.

Improve Quality & Consistency

When you work with a contract manufacturer, you can rest assured that all products produced meet strict requirements for quality. CMs understand the importance of quality control and have years of experience designing, creating, and testing a wide range of products for a variety of industries. This puts them in the best position to produce high quality products time and time again.

Means Engineering can help your business succeed! Please contact us for more information.