Means Engineering, Inc.

Product development engineering in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment & military with a standard of excellence in form, function and design.


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(760) 931-9452 | info@meanseng.com
5927 Geiger Court, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7305

Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

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Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

Most electronics manufacturers simply would not survive without the help of a contract manufacturer (CM). Outsourcing allows electronics companies to create more products, improve quality, save money and reduce time-to-market. Despite the numerous benefits, many OEMs have problems with outsourcing. It’s important to avoid the following pitfalls if you want your CM partnership to be a success.

Choosing the wrong contract manufacturer to work with

Whenever you outsource, you give up control of the manufacturing process. The biggest issues with outsourcing occur when you choose the wrong contract manufacturer. Working with the wrong CM can lead to a number of problems for your business. It’s extremely important that you hire a company you can trust. The right contract manufacturer will become a reliable partner that you can work with for years to come.

Before hiring a company, you need to find out as much as you can about their business. Consider all factors that could affect your relationship with them such as geographic location, technical capabilities, experience, quality control practices as well as strategic and financial fit.

Make sure that the company you choose is able to handle your needs. They should be up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. They should be able to handle a wide variety of projects. Experience with multiple industries ensures diverse capabilities.

Spend some time developing a clear set of criteria for your contract manufacturer. A well-developed plan and a methodical process can go a long way towards a successful relationship with your CM.

Inadequate NPI Product Management

New product introductions (NPI) are a crucial part of the OEM/CM relationship. NPI is a complex process, involving multiple steps. In order to successfully create and launch new products, you need the right contract manufacturer on your side.

A CM can help design, produce and test new products. They provide a second set of eyes for your project. They are well positioned to catch flaws in design that could affect performance. The right contract manufacturer will point out ways to reduce costs and time of production.

The right contract manufacturer can help you produce high quality, reliable electronics. This increases public trust in your brand.

Top Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturers

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Top Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturers

The global marketplace is constantly evolving. No other industry experiences more change than electronics. New technology becomes available at an alarming rate. In order to remain competitive in the electronics industry, electronics manufacturers must be able to keep up. Electronics companies of all shapes and sizes face the following challenges.

Short Product Life Cycles

Technology evolves to meet the wants and needs of consumers. It’s crucial for electronics manufacturers to have the right processes in place for new product introduction. Teaming up with a qualified contract manufacturer ensures new products meet all quality, volume and release requirements.

Meeting Demand

Demand for technology is rapidly changing. Because technology is so closely intertwined with demand, it is extremely vulnerable to changes in local conditions. Production capabilities should be kept lean and able to shift to meet changing demand.

Environmental Impact

New standards and regulations require electronics manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of a product’s entire life cycle. Every aspect must be considered, from the manufacturing process and the chemicals used, to consumer energy use and disposal of the product.

Managing Service and Warranty

Having good quality control measures in place ensures that only high quality products are produced. However, sometimes things go wrong. Being able to service faulty parts as opposed to replacing products under warranty saves both time and money. It also allows electronics manufacturers to provide a greater level of customer service and increase trust in their brand.

Power Consumption

It’s becoming more and more important for electronics manufacturers to produce smaller products that last longer and consume less power. This can be a challenge for manufacturers without the equipment or technology necessary to create new products. Contract manufacturers stay up-to-date with the latest technology and practices. They help companies produce new products without spending the cost and time involved with training and equipment.

Quality Control

With so many electronics companies competing in the marketplace, it’s more important than ever to produce good quality products. Consumers want electronic products that operate the way they should. Strict quality control measures ensure consistent quality of all products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers electronic manufacturing services to a wide range of industries. We are an ISO 9001, AS 9100 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer. We work directly with you from concept to completion.

 

 

 

New Product Creation With the Help of a Contract Manufacturer

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New Product Creation With the Help of a Contract Manufacturer

Whether you are an entrepreneur or you own a large company, new product development takes a lot of time and resources. In order to test a new product or sell your idea, you need to have something to show potential buyers. A contract manufacturer can be useful in these types of situations.

A contract manufacturer produces products under the label or brand of the company that hires them. This reduces costs and time to market, while increasing the quality and consistency of products produced.

It’s important to select a contract manufacturer with ample experience. The following tips should be considered before working with a contract manufacturer for new product development.

Always Choose Quality Over Quantity

The most expensive part of product development is the production phase. This part of production involves expensive and time-consuming processes and prep work. Once the production phase is complete, the costs go down. Typically, the more products you purchase, the less each will cost to produce.

While you might be tempted to take advantage of the savings and purchase more product than you need, this can actually end up costing you more on storage and waste.

Price

The cost of product development can vary widely based on a number of factors. Going with the lowest price is typically not the best option. Lower prices are often associated with poor craftsmanship and sub-standard materials.

However, a higher cost isn’t always equivalent to a better product. Sometimes, big name companies charge more for the same quality you can get elsewhere for less. It’s important to learn as much as you can about the manufacturing process, the company you’re working with, and what you are getting for your agreed upon price.

Specifications

A clear set of specifications is a crucial part of the manufacturing process. Specifications typically include a list of materials that will be used to make the product, product dimensions and other important details.

It’s extremely important to communicate your specifications with your contract manufacturer. Failing to do so can lead to the creation of an inferior product. Before the manufacturing process begins, clearly discuss the size, color, materials and how your product should be created. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Contract Manufacturing in San Diego County

Contract manufacturing is an excellent way to produce new products. It’s crucial that you select a contract manufacturer that has experience with a wide range of industries and materials. It’s also important that your contract manufacturer has quality control measures in place. Ensure that they are ISO 9001, AS9100 and IOS 13485 certified.

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

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Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

A contract manufacturer creates products and their components under the label or brand of the companies that hire them. Contract manufacturing is an excellent option for companies that wish to increase their product line but do not have the staff or resources necessary to do so. Contract manufacturing is used to create products for a wide range of industries. It has a number of benefits for companies of all shapes and sizes.

Contract Manufacturing Saves Time

Hiring a contract manufacturer can save a company a considerable amount of time and resources. Companies that use contract manufacturing services do not have to go through the lengthy process of hiring and training new employees to fulfill orders. They do not need to locate a new facility or obtain the equipment necessary for production. The contract manufacturer provides everything needed to produce high quality products. This provides more time for managers to focus on other important aspects of their business.

Contract Manufacturing Saves Money

Perhaps the biggest benefit of contract manufacturing is the cost savings. Companies that hire a contract manufacturer save money on equipment, facility fees and additional employees. In addition, contract manufacturers are typically able to produce parts at a fraction of the cost of in-house production. Contract manufacturing is ideal for the development and testing of new products. A contract manufacturer can also be useful in fulfilling orders when demand for a specific product is high.

High Quality Products

It takes a lot of training and experience to create high quality products. This type of expertise isn’t always feasible when producing products in-house. Sensitive parts, such as those used in electronic devices must be created in a cleanroom environment. This prevents contamination which can affect the reliability of the finished product. A contract manufacturer has the training, experience, equipment and quality control processes necessary to create high quality, reliable products time and time again.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, consider a company that has experience working with a number of different industries. They should have a Quality Management System registered to ISO 9001 and AS 9100.

The Right Electronics Manufacturer Could Mean the Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary

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The Right Electronics Manufacturer Could Mean the Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary

There are many factors to consider when choosing an electronics manufacturer. Key features can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. A little knowledge can go a long way towards finding a manufacturing company that best suits your business’ individual needs.

Choosing the Right Electronics Manufacturing Company

Not all electronics manufacturers are created equal. Finding the company that best suits your business requires a practical approach. To find the right fit you will need to take a few things into consideration such as the size of the company in relation to yours, the complexity of the products they produce, the volumes they build and the types of accounts they work with.

Your chosen company should be one that has a well-managed supply chain, the proper equipment and experience to build, configure and test your products, and the capabilities to work with you to deliver what you want, exactly when and how you want it.

Quality Control

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a manufacturing company is the quality control procedures the company has in place. The company should be able to communicate issues before and during the manufacturing process. This can save your company a considerable amount of time and money.

Customer Service

Equally important to quality control is the relationship that you have with the manufacturer. This should be someone that you feel comfortable leaving your project with. You will also want to figure out who your point of contact will be at the manufacturing company. This is the person you will be expressing your company’s needs and concerns to.

Communication is extremely important during the manufacturing process. Make sure that you can freely communicate with the company that you are working with. Companies located in the U.S. are easier to communicate with than companies based overseas.

High Quality Electronics Manufacturing in Southern California

Means Engineering Inc. provides electronics manufacturing services for a variety of industries. We work directly with our clients to create solutions to a number of problems. Our team strives to provide clear communication and top quality customer service.

Please contact us to find out how we can help your business with its electronics manufacturing needs.

ABOUT US

MEI features depth of experience in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment and military products. All product development efforts start with a unique set of requirements, yet we deliver results that share a common standard of excellence in form, function and design.

Our turn-key capabilities provide smart, simple solutions to cumbersome outsourcing issues, and provide our clients with an intelligent route from concept to market.

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