Means Engineering, Inc.

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


Notice: Undefined variable: sanitizedTitle in /home/meanseng/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-social-widget/inc/social-widget.php on line 565

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

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Values
    • Careers
    • Employee Testimonials
    • CMMC Level 3
  • Services
    • Design Engineering
    • Printed Circuit Board
    • Precision Machining
    • High Purity Welding
    • Clean Room Assembly
    • Complex Box Builds
    • Quality Management
  • Featured Works
  • Recent News
  • Resources
    • General Resources
    • Customer Resources
    • Supplier Resources
  • Contact Us

Strong Partnerships Provide Numerous Benefits for OEMs

July 3, 2020 By meiadmin

When it comes to the successful design and production of electronic devices, strong partnerships can make all the difference in the world. Partnering with a qualified and experienced electronics contract manufacturer ensures quality assembly, on-time delivery, and continuous success in a wide range of markets.

Increased Quality and Consistency

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturer, it provides access to industry experts. These professionals often have years of experience producing multiple products and components. Through trial and error, they are well positioned to provide valuable insight that OEMs can use to make informed decisions.

When utilized during the design phase, contract manufacturers serve as a second set of eyes for design plans. In addition to helping locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement, CMs can improve product quality and reduce the cost of production often by making simple adjustments.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Consumers have extremely high expectations when it comes to the quality and functionality of electronic devices. OEMs often find it difficult to meet or exceed these expectations as technology changes at such a fast rate. Partnering with the right CM can put OEMs ahead of their competition. CMs help reduce time to market and ensure optimal quality and functionality of products produced. CMs have access to all tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce even complex devices and components.

Reduced Costs

Outsourcing costs far less than acquiring the people, space, and equipment necessary to produce new products in-house. By enlisting the help of a quality CM early in the process, OEMs can reduce the chance of costly mistakes and rebuilds. CMs can generally tell if there will be a problem long before they begin production. This isn’t always possible when producing products in-house.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to OEMs and other organizations wishing to increase quality, reduce time to market, and remain compliant with industry-specific requirements. We work directly with each of our clients throughout the entire process to ensure all devices and components meet necessary guidelines for quality, functionality, and delivery.

Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

Filed Under: About Us Tagged With: AS9100, california, carlsbad, carlsbad contract manufacturer, CM, contract manufacturer, contract manufacturing, Electronic Devices, electronics assembly

Industry Certifications – Why They’re Important

June 26, 2020 By meiadmin

You have many things to consider when choosing an electronics contract manufacturer. Although you’ll probably spend some time negotiating price and other important aspects of your contract, electronic manufacturing certifications should remain non-negotiable. These important industry certifications ensure the CM you work with meets rigorous quality expectations as required by the industries they serve. Without proper certification, the CM simply cannot guarantee quality or that the product produced meets industry-specific regulatory compliance standards.

General Certification – ISO 9001

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certificate shows that the contract manufacturer has implemented and maintained a quality management system. This certification is internationally accepted and proves that the CM consistently meets customer requirements and continues to strive to improve product quality.

Medical Device Industry Certification – ISO 13485

ISO 13485 is required for a CM to design and/or produce devices for the medical industry. This important certification ensures the CM has effectively implemented and maintained its quality management system. It also ensures the CM implements certain controls and protocols to ensure product safety.

I order to achieve ISO 13485 certifications, contract manufacturers must meet specific requirements for testing, inspection, and product traceability.

Aerospace Industry Certification – AS9100

Aviation Space (AS) 9100 certification encompasses all requirements for ISO 9000 as well as additional aerospace industry-specific quality and safety standards. In order to receive AS9100 certification, a CM must display an emphasis on risk management, adopt proven production processes, and pass an AS9100 audit.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a CM, it never hurts to ask to see their certification documents. CMs that have taken the time to obtain industry-specific certification are generally happy to provide this information on request. If the CM tells you otherwise, or fails to provide the appropriate documentation, it’s probably best to take your business elsewhere.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to organizations across a wide range of industries. We are proud to hold several industry-specific certifications including ISO 9001, ISO1 3485, and AS9100. Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

 

 

Filed Under: About Us Tagged With: AS9100, california, carlsbad contract manufacturer, carlsbad contract manufacturing, CM, contract manufacturing, Electronic Devices, ISO 13485, ISO 9001

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Outsourcing

June 19, 2020 By meiadmin

For organizations that produce or manufacture products, outsourcing provides numerous benefits. In addition to reducing costs and time to market, outsourcing part or all of production can significantly increase the quality of products produced. However, it’s extremely important that organizations make an informed decision when choosing to outsource.

Although most organizations see positive outcomes from outsourcing, selecting the wrong contract manufacturer can cause significant problems. This is especially true for OEMs producing electronic devices that rely on the correct assembly and testing of several complex components.

Organizations considering outsourcing will want to avoid the following common mistakes when working with a contract manufacturer:

Choosing the First CM on the List

The CM you choose can have a major impact on the quality and functionality of your finished product. It’s extremely important that OEMs take their time to interview several different CMs before selecting one to work with. OEMs might find it helpful to create a list of their needs and requirements, including any regulatory standards the finished product must comply with. These needs should be discussed in detail during the interview process.

Failing to Discuss Project Objectives  

Maintaining good lines of communication ensures the success of the contract manufacturing relationship. Unfortunately, OEMs often fail to make the project objectives clear to their CM. This can lead to problems with the finished product. It’s crucial that OEMs provide clear instructions regarding project plans, specs, colors, and materials.

Not Putting Enough Trust in Their CM

Outsourcing requires a certain level of trust on the part of the OEM. In order to complete the project, OEMs must hand over project plans and blueprints. Occasionally, the CM may make recommendations to improve the quality or reduce the cost of production.

Choosing the CM With the Lowest Rates

Every business wants to reduce costs. However, choosing a CM with the lowest rates could end up costing OEMs more money in the long run. Low prices typically do not equate to high quality. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services for organizations and OEMs. Our team has years of experience producing parts and components for multiple industries including medical, aerospace, and defense. Please contact us for information about our services.

Filed Under: About Us Tagged With: carlsbad contract manufacturer, CM, electronics manufacturer, electronics manufacturing, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, san diego county, southern california contract manufacturer

Getting Ahead of Component Shortages

June 12, 2020 By meiadmin

Recent events have put much of the world on hold. This includes many of the manufacturers of the components used to create a number of electronic devices and widgets. While many manufacturers have returned to business as normal, component shortages could still pose a problem as everyone scrambles to catch up. It’s important that OEMs learn how to deal with potential shortages both now and in the future.

Component shortages occur for several reasons. Before taking any steps to remedy issues with the component supply chain, organizations must first understand the factors responsible for the current shortage. OEMs can then make an informed decision about how to best handle the situation.

Purchase Components in Advance

Organizations need to make sure they have sufficient cash flow to pay for components in advance. Some components have lead times up to fifty weeks. Purchasing in advance can save organizations a lot of trouble on future projects.

Utilize Trusted Partners

Today’s markets change rapidly. Many manufacturers have begun prioritizing larger customers. It’s important to make sure your organization has the resources to fulfill large orders, especially during periods of high demand.

Understand Potential Lead Times

Certain components may have lead times up to fifty weeks. This can cause delays when bringing products to market. It’s important that OEMs learn as much as they can about potential lead times so they can better understand the types of delays they may face in the future. Armed with the right information, OEMs can provide the best options to their customers.

Transparency during the production process is important to the overall success of any project. A quality CM provides clear answers about component delays and the reasons behind them.

Forecast Component Needs

Creating a forecast of component needs ensures everyone has a clear understanding of the project requirements. This keeps everyone on the same page and ensures the CM knows what is expected and when.

Southern California CM

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to OEMs and other organizations looking to increase quality and reduce time to market. Our team has years of experience and understands what works and what doesn’t when it comes to electronic component design. Please contact us for more information about our services.

Filed Under: About Us Tagged With: CM, contract manufacturer, electronics manufacturing, engineering, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, medical devices, san diego county, southern california, southern california contract manufacturer

Cut Costs by Improving Quality

June 5, 2020 By meiadmin

Every organization wants to improve their bottom line. When creating a new product or device, the assembly process often costs organizations a lot of money. Unfortunately, many of these organizations consider sacrificing quality in order to reduce the cost of production. It’s important to note that this isn’t necessary. In fact, it isn’t even smart. Cutting corners and reducing quality can only hurt your organization in the long run. Offering a sub-par product not only increases the chance of returns and recalls, it can negatively impact the way individuals and other businesses view your brand. It’s important that organizations consider alternatives when making plans for production.

When outsourced to an experienced contract manufacturer, contract assembly adds value and lowers the cost of production. This option provides significant benefits. In addition to allowing organizations to reduce the costs involved with the assembly process, contract assembly ensures the correct and quality assembly of parts, products, and components.

Quality Contract Assembly

When producing electronic devices, it’s crucial that PCBAs function properly. This requires an assembly process that takes into account the tolerances of the board and all of its components. Proper assembly of electronic devices takes every factor into consideration to eliminate errors and prevent delays. If done right, quality assembly helps improve product quality, reduces the amount of time it takes to manufacture the product, and reduces the cost of production.

Contract manufacturers often have years of experience and understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to product assembly. The right CM evaluates design plans to locate areas that could benefit from improvement.

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer to Work With

Organizations must take care when selecting a contract manufacturer to work with. It’s extremely important that OEMs do their research to find a CM with the tools, knowledge, and experience to complete the type(s) of projects required. OEMs can benefit from choosing a CM with experience working with multiple industries. This enables growth and success as organizations begin looking to expand into new markets and industries.

San Diego Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract assembly and contract manufacturing services to organizations and OEMs across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for more information about how our services can help improve the quality of products produced.

 

Filed Under: About Us Tagged With: carlsbad contract manufacturer, carlsbad contract manufacturing, CM, contract manufacturer, contract manufacturing, Electronics Engineering, southern california contract manufacturer

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • …
  • 42
  • Next Page »

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.

Read More...

Copyright © 2025 Means Engineering, Inc. · Website by Alter Impact