Means Engineering, Inc.

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

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

3 Things to Look For When Choosing an Electronics Contract Manufacturer

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Using an electronics contract manufacturer provides numerous benefits. In addition to reduced costs and production time, the right CM can help improve the quality and consistency of every product produced. This has the added benefit of increasing consumer trust in your brand, helping you sell more products and expand your business through word of mouth and referrals. However, it’s important to note that not all CM’s are created equal. While an experienced electronics CM can act as a valuable partner, an inexperienced CM may not be able to deliver on their promises. This is why it’s so important to take the time necessary to find the right contract manufacturer to work with. This can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Quality

Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing an electronics contract manufacturer, adequate quality control helps prevent defects during production that could impact the quality or functionality of the finished product. In order to determine the quality of your CM’s quality management program, you need to verify that the company is leveraging critical quality tools including continuous KPI tracking, line-side visual management systems, quality certifications (ISO 9001/AS 9100), and a document management system.

Industries Served

Practically every industry uses electronic devices. However, each industry has their own unique requirements. It’s important to locate a contract manufacturer that has experience working with your industry. This is especially true for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries. Devices created for these industries are often used for critical operations. As such, they must comply with strict requirements.

Responsiveness

Communication is an extremely important part of your relationship with your CM. Make sure that the CM you choose isn’t so big or overwhelmed that they cannot provide you with the attention you deserve. It’s also important to find a CM that can respond quickly to your needs. Sometimes design and production plans change. You need to ensure your CM will respond appropriately.

You have many factors to consider when choosing a contract manufacturer. However, ensuring the CM you choose meets the criteria above can help ensure a successful and long-lasting relationship.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to businesses and government agencies. Please contact us for information about our services.

 

Reducing Component End-Of-Life Risks

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Component end-of-life (EOL) is a common problem with electronics manufacturing. During the design process, designers must consider the likelihood that specific components will be discontinued at some point during production. Unfortunately, there’s often no way to know when the manufacturer of certain components will run out of stock or discontinue production. When this occurs, companies that rely on these components to create their product face rising costs and costly redesign when the component manufacturer eventually runs out of stock.

Although EOL can impact all industries, it tends to hit highly regulated industries like medical and defense much harder. This is because companies responsible for the creation of products for these industries must gain certification for each product they produce. Even small changes to the design can necessitate an expensive and time-consuming re-certification process.

Ideally, designers should only select components they know will be around for quite some time. Fortunately, there are a few things designers can look for when determining component EOL.

Supplier Reputation

When choosing components for use in an electronic device, it’s important to look at the reputation of the supplier. A reputable supplier will stand behind their components. Another factor to consider is the number of suppliers offering the specific component. It’s much riskier if the component used only has one supplier. With more than one supplier, there’s always a back-up if one or more goes out of business.

Avoid Counterfeits

Counterfeit components often enter the market as parts become harder to source. Although companies are often tempted to purchase counterfeits, doing so can negatively affect the quality of finished products. This is another reason why it’s extremely important that designers make sure they purchase components from a reputable source.

Consult a Contract Manufacturer for Advice

Although there isn’t any guarantee that components will remain available forever, an experienced electronics contract manufacturer like Means Engineering can provide information about reliable sources and components. Contract manufacturers deal with suppliers on a daily basis and can provide valuable advice on potential EOLs. The earlier you consult with an experienced CM the better equipped you’ll be in the future.

 

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer for Complex Box Builds

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Box-build, or system integration, is an electromechanical assembly process which includes enclosure fabrication, installation and routing of cabling or wire harnesses, and installation of sub-assemblies and components. A complex box-build includes a fully integrated electro-mechanical system with pneumatics and electronics.

Box-builds generally include several steps. Companies often find the process too difficult and/or costly to handle in-house. This is perhaps the biggest reason why many companies enlist the help of an experienced contract manufacturer. Using a contract manufacturer not only keeps costs and production times low, it also ensures the correct assembly and testing.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to look for a CM with complex box-build experience. Make sure the company you choose has a quality management system in place and ISO certification.

Once you’ve selected a contract manufacturer, it’s important to prepare everything they need to complete the box-build.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Be prepared to present the contract manufacturer with a Bill of Materials. The BOM is extremely important to the overall success of your project. The BOM helps ensure the contract manufacturer knows all the key components. It also lets them know which materials the company will provide and what the CM must source. Defining even smaller items in the BOM such as nuts, bolts, adhesives, tie wraps, washers, wires, etc. helps avoid unexpected delays and cost changes.

Assembly

3D CAD models help the CM visualize the finished product. These should be provided to the CM if possible. At the very least, you should provide the CM with a layout drawing. Many experienced CMs have CAD programs that allow them to easily convert drawings into build instructions.

Dimensions

It’s important to inform the contract manufacturer of the size and weight of the unit. This will help the CM determine handling and storage throughout the build process.

Testing

When working with electrical systems, it’s important to define basic electrical safety testing like earth bond and flash tests. It might be helpful to speak with your contract manufacturer to determine any additional testing required.

Means Engineering has extensive experience in both module level and product level manufacturing of complex box builds. Our skilled staff has the tools and experience necessary to provide a wide range of manufacturing services for fluid and gas handling systems, commercial and military displays, high tech vacuum systems, aviation electronics, and electro-optical systems.

Please contact us for more information about our services.

 

Using a Contract Manufacturer to Grow Your Online Business

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The Internet has created numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to sell their products to people around the world. While selling products online can bring significant income, many businesses simply do not know how to meet extremely high consumer demand.

People purchase products online at increasing rates. According to a study by Statistica, around 80% of all Internet users will make a purchase online within the year. Companies wishing to sell their products online can reach more people in a much shorter amount of time than possible with a retail location. Although many companies and entrepreneurs are tempted to take advantage of the Internet’s potential to grow their business, they need to make sure they’re prepared for the large influx of potential orders.

Prior to starting an online business, it’s important the company determines how they will keep up with strong demand. Enlisting the help of a contract manufacturer can help ensure a steady stream of high quality products.

Design

Experienced contract manufacturers provide a wide range of services. In addition to providing manufacturing of parts, components, and products, CMs also provide design services to businesses looking to create or improve design plans. Contract manufacturers often have years of experience producing products for a wide range of industries. Through trial and error, they’ve learned what works and what does not.

When utilized during the design phase, a contract manufacturer can analyze design plans and locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might be something as simple as changing the type of material or the size of different components. Often these changes improve the quality of finished products.

Production

Contract manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products. They often employ a full-time staff of design and manufacturing experts. They utilize the best processes, equipment, and technology. Using a contract manufacturer provides access to all of these resources, without the high price of acquiring them in-house.

Testing

In addition to design and production, a quality CM can help ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced. By using quality testing equipment and techniques, the CM will test each part and component as it moves through the production process. This helps catch issues sooner when they’re easier and less expensive to fix.

Means Engineering has the tools and people needed to help you grow your business. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Choosing the Right Contract Manufacturer for Your Needs

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Different companies have different needs. When selecting a contract manufacturer, it’s important to consider these needs as well as any future requirements. Although you might not have any immediate plans to move into new markets, this might change as your business grows. Make sure you choose a CM that can grow and scale with your business needs.

Once you’ve established that the contract manufacturer can fulfill your needs, it’s important to make sure they’re easy to work with. While this might not seem important now, finding you can’t communicate with your CM can have a negative effect on the final result of your project.

Communication

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of every project. If you cannot communicate easily with your CM, it’s likely you’ll run into problems sooner or later. Make sure the CM you choose fully understands your requirements and sets a clear schedule for regular calls and/or in-person meetings to discuss progress.

Personality Differences

You want to make sure that you get along with your CM. Finding a quality CM you can speak freely with can have a major impact on your future relationship. Personality differences can put a strain on your relationship, affecting your ability to work with them in the future.

Budget

It goes without saying, but you need to find a contract manufacturer that fits your budget. However, be weary of costs that seem too low. Sometimes, the CM will tack on additional costs later, making the finished product cost more than you planned. If the price seems too low, make sure to ask about potential charges that haven’t made their way onto the original quote.

Quality Control

It’s important to ensure that the contract manufacturer you choose has a comprehensive quality management system in place. Selecting a contract manufacturer with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 certification ensures the CM uses proven techniques and processes for ensuring products meet strict requirements for quality.

Means Engineering offers a wide range of contract manufacturing services. We employ a full team of design and manufacturing experts and are well prepared to handle even complex projects. Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

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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