Electronic manufacturing services, also known as EMS, are the services provided by electronics contract manufacturers (ECM) for OEMs. Although services offered can vary from company to company, they generally include the design, assembly, production, and testing of electronic components and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Businesses of all shapes and sizes utilize the help of ECMs to produce finished products and/or electronic components. Depending on the needs of the OEM, the ECM may be contracted during any stage of production. Some companies only use ECMs for design, while others use them for full production of a wide range of products. Occasionally, companies may partner with an ECM to fulfill periods of high demand.
Regardless of the type of EMS required, contract manufacturers provide significant value. In addition to helping improve the quality and consistency of finished products, ECMs also help reduce costs and time to market.
Design Services
When utilized during the design phase, ECMs can act as a second set of eyes for design plans. This can help OEMs spot potential problems or locate areas that could benefit from improvement. Often, the changes made by ECMs during the design phase improve quality and optimize production.
Companies can hire a contract manufacturer to look over existing design plans or to create the design plans themselves.
Manufacturing Services
Electronics manufacturing includes the creation of various electronic products. ECMs often have access to advanced technologies and newer equipment and machinery. This puts them in the best possible position to produce a wide range of products.
Because businesses do not need to locate and obtain the people, space, or equipment needed to produce products, using an ECM can significantly reduce the amount of overhead for OEMs. In addition to reducing the costs of production, utilizing the help of an ECM allows businesses to grow and expand into markets they may never have accessed on their own.
Testing Services
Companies may utilize the help of an ECM for testing components or products. ECMs often have access to the best tools and technology, and many have quality management systems in place. Although the type of testing required varies from one industry to the next, the most common types of testing offered by ECMs include:
- Agency Compliance Testing
- Analytical Laboratory Testing
- Automated Optical Inspection
- Environmental Testing
- Functional Testing
- In-Circuit Testing
- X-Ray Testing
Southern California Electronics Contract Manufacturer
Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to OEMs and other businesses looking to reduce costs and increase the quality of products produced. Please contact us for more information about our ECM services.
