Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face numerous challenges when it comes to locating qualified talent. This shortage is driving OEMs to partner with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) on a more regular basis.
Design, Production, and Testing of Products
OEMs are enlisting the help of qualified CMs early in the process, for help with design and development. This is especially true for OEMs responsible for the production of medical devices, which must meet a number of regulatory requirements. Planning must begin much earlier with these types of products to ensure compliance.
Market delays and recalls are extremely expensive. Working with a CM helps increase the quality of products produced and reduces or eliminates the likelihood of issues. The prevention of potential issues is significantly more cost-effective than saving costs on production.
When involved in the design process, CMs are able to locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might involve reducing costs and increasing quality by changing materials or simplifying processes to reduce time to market.
Quality CMs have years of experience creating a wide range of products for a variety of industries. They understand unique industry requirements and know how to create products to meet strict rules and regulations.
An experienced CM has access to the latest equipment and technologies. This can be beneficial for OEMs looking to create complex electronic devices. CMs deliver high-quality products built to the specs of the OEM.
Choosing a Qualified CM
When choosing a company to work with, OEMs must ensure that the CM they choose is willing to understand and achieve their end-goal target. Although many OEMs focus on price when selecting a CM, there are other factors that are far more important. It’s crucial that OEMs partner with a CM that is flexible when it comes to integration, project management, and responsiveness. This helps ensure growth, regardless of future market changes.
Means Engineering Inc. provides CM services to OEMs across a wide range of industries. Our experienced team works directly with each of our clients to locate ways to improve product design, reduce production cost, and improve product quality.