AS9100 Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Means Engineering, Inc.

Choosing a CM – Questions Every Company Should Ask

October 11, 2019 By meiadmin

Partnering with a contract manufacturer provides numerous benefits for companies of all shapes and sizes. The right contract manufacturer can help your business grow and expand into new markets. However, it’s important to take some time to research several companies before selecting a contract manufacturer to work with. This is crucial, as you’ll want to make sure the company you work with provides flexibility and room for growth. This helps ensure a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

You’ll want to ask the following questions prior to selecting a CM:

Does the contract manufacturer provide information when requested?

During the interview process, you’ll want to look for a CM that provides information about the manufacturing process, material costs, labor costs, and other overhead costs when asked. If the company you speak with is not upfront and open now, you might have trouble getting information later.

Does the contract manufacturer have a quality assurance program in place?

The right contract manufacturer can help your company produce high quality products and components. However, it’s important to remember that quality can vary from one CM to the next. In order to ensure the highest quality, look for a contract manufacturer that has adopted a comprehensive Quality Management System. The CM you choose should be registered to ISO 9001 and AS 9100.

Is the contract manufacturer’s facility neat and organized?

The cleanliness and organization of a CM’s facility can tell you a lot about how serious they are about quality control. A clean, well-lit, and organized facility ensures projects are completed in a safe and professional manner.

Is the contract manufacturer the right size for your business?

It’s important to select the right-size contract manufacturer for your business. If you are a small to mid-size company, you probably don’t have the same needs as a larger organization. In fact, a larger scale CM might not even take smaller projects.

Will the contract manufacturer protect your intellectual property?

Make sure that the contract manufacturer you choose has processes in place to protect your intellectual property from possible infringes. Don’t be afraid to ask the CM about how they plan to protect your sensitive information.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers a variety of contract manufacturing services to businesses across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for more information about our services.

Developing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship With Your Contract Manufacturer

February 8, 2019 By meiadmin

Small businesses and entrepreneurs often seek help when creating electronic products. Many of these companies simply do not have the people, equipment, space, or technology needed to produce new products.

Sometimes, these businesses need assistance creating electronic parts or components. Other times, they are looking to have an entire product produced. Whatever the case, there are a few things that can make the process go more smoothly.

Prepare Your Design Files

If you’ve created design files you’ll need to provide these to your contract manufacturer along with your Bill of Materials (BOM). This helps your contract manufacturer provide an accurate quote. It also ensures that everyone is on the same page right from the start.

If you don’t have design files, that’s alright as well. A contract manufacturer can help turn your ideas into functional products. They often employ teams of experienced individuals, capable of designing a wide range of products for multiple industries. At Means Engineering, we work directly with many of our clients from concept to completion.

Discuss Quantity Expectations

When searching for a contract manufacturer you need to ensure the company you choose is well prepared to handle the quantities you need. Make sure you discuss the number of different assemblies you plan to have produced including how many you’ll need in your first order and future orders.

Plans for Ongoing Production

A quality contract manufacturer acts as your partner. They stay by your side for as long as you need them. Don’t be afraid to talk to your contract manufacturer about your long term plans for production. This sets the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. Even if your production needs surpass what your contract manufacturer can handle, they likely have connections with other respectable companies.

At Means Engineering we provide design, production, and testing of a wide range of electronic products and components. We employ a team of experienced professionals and are pleased to pass our knowledge and experience to our valued customers. We strive to provide exceptional customer service, while exceeding customer expectations for quality and reliability.

How to Make the Most of Your Contract Manufacturing Partnership

January 25, 2019 By meiadmin

Companies everywhere strive to keep costs low. Reducing costs on manufacturing increases profits and allows for better allocation of funds. When looking into ways to cut costs, one of the decisions business owners should consider is whether or not to outsource some or all of their production.

Outsourcing allows organizations to create a wide range of products without having to acquire the space, people, equipment, and technology needed for production. This significantly reduces the amount of money spent on producing new products. In addition to reducing production costs, utilizing the help of a contract manufacturer during the design process helps locate unique ways to further reduce costs and improve quality.

Quality contract manufacturers have years of experience. They have access to the latest equipment and technology. They understand how to leverage best practices to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

There are numerous benefits to working with a contract manufacturer. Perhaps the most important is that it frees up time and resources so that leaders can focus on other important aspects of the business.

Contract Negotiations

Just like every other factor in business, organizations should ensure they get the most out of their contract manufacturing partnership. This begins with contract negotiations. It’s crucial that the organization and the CM agree on mutual terms. The contract should establish certain milestones to allow for adequate monitoring of each project’s progression.

During negotiations, it’s important that the organization understands the limitations of the CM. They should negotiate a solid contract that ensures a mutually profitable relationship.

Establish a Lasting Relationship

Contract manufacturers work with their clients to help them succeed. Organizations should take the time needed to build a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship.

Quality Management System

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing is that it allows businesses to increase the quality of finished products. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced contract manufacturer that has a quality management system in place.

Means Engineering is registered to both ISO 9001 and AS 9100. Companies with these certifications must meet strict requirements for quality control. Our team has years of experience working with a wide range of industries. We provide comprehensive solutions including design, production, and testing of products and components.

Importance of Testing New Products

January 4, 2019 By meiadmin

Product testing is important for a number of reasons. Testing allows an organization to ensure the quality of new products before they go to market. It also helps locate areas that could benefit from improvement. Fixing these issues before products hit the shelf helps prevent possible loss of customers and reputation.

Types of Testing

There are several different types of testing including quality assurance, product reliability testing, and lifecycle testing. Testing typically takes place during the manufacturing phases of product development and is often focused on consumer expectations.

Products for certain industries must meet strict requirements such as products created for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries. Components in these devices must meet a much higher standard than those used in other products.

Some products require Premarket Approval (PMA) testing before being passed on to consumers. This is true for medical devices that support or sustain human life. The proper operation and quality of these devices is crucial to the prevention of illness or injury.

Outsourcing

Organizations often attempt to handle product testing in-house. Unfortunately, this can cost a considerable amount of money. In order to maintain a testing lab, organizations must acquire the appropriate space, equipment, labor, and certificates.

Organizations can benefit from outsourcing testing to a qualified contract manufacturer. A contract manufacturer assists with all parts of production, from design to testing.

Qualified Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services for organizations across a wide range of industries. We provide assistance with design, production, and testing of products. Our team has years of experience and understands the unique needs of businesses creating products for industries with complex requirements.

We provide all types of testing including quality assurance, product reliability testing, and lifecycle testing. We our AS 9100 and ISO 9001 certified. This helps us ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Means Engineering tests product functionality off the line. We use predetermined factors to determine the level of testing and scores each product receives. When necessary, we test individual parts as well as finished products to ensure optimal operation and functionality.

Increasing Consumer Trust in Your Brand

August 24, 2018 By meiadmin

Brand recognition and consumer trust is crucial to the success of every business. Gaining consumer trust involves making customers happy. Customers that are happy with your products are more likely to recommend them to their friends. This increases your customer base and improves your bottom line.

In order to build trust in your brand, you need to start with a clear understanding of your target audience. You’ll want to learn as much as you can about the industry you intend to target. Market research can help.

Once you know your intended audience, and what they need, it’s time to create your products.

In-House VS Outsourcing

You have two options when it comes to product creation. You can create products in-house, or outsource production to a qualified contract manufacturer. If you choose to handle production yourself, you’ll need to purchase the space, equipment, technology, and machines needed to create and test your products. You’ll also need to hire the necessary staff to handle the design and various stages of production.

Outsourcing is much easier. Instead of hassling with finding a location and staff, and coming up with the capital to purchase equipment, you simply provide your ideas to a contract manufacturer.

Consumers are becoming pickier when it comes to their expectations of new products. As technology evolves, demand for products with connectivity has increased. It’s crucial that you find a contract manufacturer that is able to create the kinds of devices your customers are looking for.

Product Quality

When building your brand, it’s important to create high quality products that are built to last. Quality and durability are the second and third most important factors to consumers after features and options.

Using a contract manufacturer helps ensure that products are produced according to strict requirements for accuracy and quality. This ensures the quality and consistency of every product produced.

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to look at their ability to create the products you wish to produce. An experienced contract manufacturer will have experience producing high quality products for a wide range of industries.