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Emerging Trends May Have Lasting Impact on the Manufacturing Industry

January 31, 2020 By meiadmin

Every year, the manufacturing industry sees trends come and go. While some of these trends make very little difference to the industry as a whole, others have a major impact. Research suggests that several new and emerging manufacturing trends and technologies will affect the industry for many years to come.

Internet of Things (IoT) Technology

Although not a new concept, the Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to impact the manufacturing industry over the next few years. As consumers and businesses demand more IoT devices, manufacturers will need to implement IoT technology into everything from medical devices to household appliances. Soon, almost every device used will connect to the Internet in some way or other. It’s important that manufacturers keep up with this important technology.

When it comes to manufacturers, manufacturing businesses will need to implement IoT technologies into production if they wish to remain competitive. When used throughout production, IoT technology increases operational efficiency and productivity, while eliminating the risk of human error.

Predictive Maintenance

Proper operation of machinery and equipment is crucial to the success of every manufacturer. This is why several manufacturers have already begun utilizing predictive analysis to identify problems with equipment sooner, before they are able to halt or slow production. Predictive maintenance analyzes production data and “learns” patterns. This helps recognize when something isn’t right.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Although manufacturing businesses use AR for multiple purposes, the most common include equipment maintenance and product design and development improvements. Augmented reality (AR) allows manufacturers to view 3D images of equipment and/or product designs. Users can view multiple parts and drill down to view specific components. Much like virtual reality, AR could be a game changer for the manufacturing industry in coming years.

Cybersecurity

As more devices and businesses connect to the Internet, the need for cybersecurity becomes increasingly important. Manufacturing businesses will need to consider the cybersecurity of their devices as well as the devices they create for their customers. In order to avoid potential problems, every manufacturing business will need to implement a clear and effective cybersecurity strategy as soon as possible.

Creating High Quality Products for the Aerospace Industry

November 29, 2019 By meiadmin

At Means Engineering, we understand the unique needs of the aerospace industry. No matter how big or small the project, we strive to deliver high quality products and service on time and on budget. When it comes to the aerospace industry, we understand the importance of high quality, reliable devices. We take all necessary steps to ensure each part and component meets strict requirements for quality and reliability.

Our team has years of experience with design and builds, redesigns, and troubleshooting devices and components for the aerospace industry. We follow strict compliance requirements and test each part throughout production. Our Quality Management System helps mitigate risk and ensures accurate documentation and reporting.

Creating Reliable Devices for Mission Critical Operations

Proper operation is crucial when it comes to devices used by the aerospace Industry. If devices fail, it could cause serious harm or injury. This is why it’s so important to work with a contract manufacturer that has experience creating devices for the aerospace Industry.

Means Engineering carries AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification. We use up-to-date technology and techniques and thoroughly test each component during production. This helps catch issues sooner, when they’re easier to fix. Our dedication to quality control allows us to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Experienced Team

Means Engineering employs an experienced team of designers and engineers. We are well-equipped to provide your organization with a second set of eyes for your design plans. This can help your organization locate potential problems or locate ways to reduce cost or improve the quality of finished products. We work directly with you throughout every step of the project.

From Design to Completion

When utilized during the design process, Means Engineering can help locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement. This helps catch issues prior to production. It also helps reduce cost and locate ways that could simplify production and/or improve the quality of the finished product. Getting a CM involved early in the process provides the greatest chance of success.

Please contact us to learn more about our services for the aerospace Industry.

Reducing Manufacturing Costs

November 15, 2019 By meiadmin

There are numerous benefits to partnering with a qualified contract manufacturer. In addition to improved quality and customer satisfaction, companies that outsource save a considerable amount of money. While the actual savings will vary based on industry and types of products being produced, all companies that outsource save in the following ways:

Equipment, Machinery & Quality Staff

Companies that choose to create products in-house must obtain their own equipment, technology, machines, and people. They must also find a location large enough for production, storage, and daily operations. This can take a lot of time and money. Most start-ups and small businesses simply do not have the capital needed to produce products in-house. Unfortunately, without the right equipment and knowledgeable staff, these companies quickly fall behind their competition.

Outsourcing provides companies with access to the latest technology, equipment, and knowledgeable staff without having to purchase or obtain anything in-house. Contract Manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products for a wide range of industries. This can make all of the difference in the world to a smaller business. Even larger organizations can benefit from outsourcing part or all of their production, especially when attempting to enter new markets.

Quality Testing

Experienced contract manufacturers follow strict requirements and perform testing throughout all stages of production. This helps catch potential problems early, before they are able to cause problems with the finished product. Quality CMs know how to solve a wide range of issues and can make recommendations on how to fix potential problems.

Regular testing of all parts and components helps prevent defects and ensures the quality and consistency of products produced. This can save a lot of time and money and help protect the company’s reputation with consumers.

Increased Productivity

Using an experienced contract manufacturer helps ensure products get to market faster. This improves customer satisfaction rates and helps companies keep up with consumer demand. Outsourcing also frees up in-house resources, allowing staff to focus on growing the business and marketing new products. While this isn’t a direct savings of using a contract manufacturer, increased productivity can definitely improve a company’s bottom line.

Creating a Prototype

October 25, 2019 By meiadmin

Creating a prototype is an extremely important part of the invention process. A prototype is basically a 3-D version of your idea. Creating a prototype provides you with a physical version of your vision that you and others can touch and feel.

Prototypes are often used for demonstration and presentation purposes. They can help attract investors and help your business appeal to your intended audience. Although your prototype probably won’t look exactly like the finished product, it provides an excellent starting point for any project.

Test and Refine the Functionality of Your Product

While your idea might look great on paper, it’s not until you actually begin creating it that you get to see how well it works. Building a prototype allows you to test your design and fix flaws that you might not have considered during the design process. This is possibly the greatest benefit of developing a prototype.

Test the Performance of Your Materials

Although you may have decided to use metal for your project, sometimes when you start building you realize plastic performs better and/or costs less. This type of situation happens more often than most people believe. Creating a prototype allows you to test out various materials and discover what works and what does not.

Understand Your Product Better

Building a prototype helps you better understand your product. This enables you to describe the product more efficiently to both your team and potential business partners.

Others Will Take You More Seriously

Being able to present a prototype allows you to show potential clients, business partners, investors, and even your attorney that you are serious about your idea. This might be just what you need to get the attention you deserve.

Developing a Prototype

You have two options when it comes to the creation of your prototype: you can attempt to build it yourself or you can partner with an experienced contract manufacturer. Many start-ups and small businesses begin by making a prototype out of everyday materials. If the company decides to move forward with their invention, they will typically need to create a pre-production prototype as well. This is when a contract manufacturer can help. A quality CM can help locate flaws in the design and discover ways to cut costs and improve the overall quality of the finished product. These are experienced individuals capable of creating a wide range of prototypes.

Understanding the Differences Between Contract Manufacturing and Private Label Manufacturing

September 13, 2019 By meiadmin

Companies often struggle to understand the difference between contract manufacturing and private label manufacturing. While there are some similarities, the two are actually quite different. However, the ultimate goal of both private label and contract manufacturing remains the same; produce high quality products that consumers want to buy.

Private Label Manufacturing

In private label manufacturing, one company makes the products but markets them under another company’s label or brand. The manufacturing company is the owner of the product and retains controls over product specifications, quality, and more.

Contract manufacturing

Contract manufacturing involves the outsourcing of the manufacturing and/or design process to another company. The owner of the company hiring the CM provides all of the necessary product specifications. Unless pre-determined by the company hiring the contract manufacturer, the CM cannot change the product specifications. However, it’s always a good idea to ask if there are ways to improve quality and reduce the costs of manufacturing. The right CM can usually provide insight into improvements to the manufacturing process or product design.

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing is the ideal choice for companies looking to reduce risk and maximize operational efficiencies. Contract manufacturing has numerous benefits including:

Reduced costs. Using a contract manufacturer allows companies to create high quality products at a much lower cost than producing the same products in-house. Companies that use a CM do not have to acquire or maintain appropriate staff, space, equipment, or technology.
Lower risk. Production runs are typically made to order for specific quantities.
Access to experienced professionals. Partnering with a contract manufacturer puts you in direct contact with experienced professionals qualified to offer advice on the design and production of a wide range of products.

Private label manufacturing and contract manufacturing both offer numerous benefits for businesses of all shapes and sizes. However, because of lower margins, contract manufacturing is typically the safest bet.

If you have questions about the contract manufacturing process, or you’d like to learn about outsourcing with a quality CM, Means Engineering can help. Please contact us for more information about our services.