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

How Electronic Contract Manufacturing Services Can Benefit Your Business

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Many electronics companies outsource some or all parts of production. This probably has something to do with the high cost of in-house production. Even if a company can manage the cost of equipment, people, and the technology needed to produce products themselves, it’s extremely difficult to keep up with rising consumer demand for quality electronics. Unfortunately, releasing just one poor quality device could negatively impact company reputation and the ability to obtain a steady flow of repeat and new business.

There are numerous benefits to outsourcing electronic manufacturing services. In addition to reducing costs and time to market, the right electronic contract manufacturer can also increase the quality of products produced.

Improved Quality and Consistency

As mentioned above, quality is extremely important when producing electronic devices. The right electronic contract manufacturer has the tools and experience needed to ensure strict quality control standards and compliance with local, state, federal, and international regulations. ECMs often have years of experience producing, testing, and improving products for a variety of industries.

Cost Savings

Working with an electronic contract manufacturer provides numerous cost savings over producing products in-house. In addition to providing access to the best people, equipment, machinery, and technology, the right ECM can reduce production costs by reducing the number of errors and re-dos.

Improved Turnaround

ECMs have established relationships with their suppliers, making it faster and easier for them to obtain the components they need to complete each project. This, combined with the ECMs vast experience, can significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market.

Specialized Manufacturing Services

Certain industries like medical, aerospace, and defense have extremely strict requirements when it comes to device construction. With these industries, there is no room for error. It’s important to find an ECM with experience and expertise in these industries. This helps ensure quality and compliance with strict regulations.

Means Engineering has years of experience working with a wide range of industries including the medical, aerospace, and defense industries. We understand the importance of creating high quality electronic devices. Please contact us for information about our comprehensive electronic contract manufacturing services.

Making the Most of Your Relationship with Your Contract Manufacturer

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Companies must make strategic decisions to keep costs low. One of the biggest decisions facing companies today is the choice between manufacturing in-house and outsourcing to an experienced contract manufacturer.

Utilizing a CM makes it possible for companies to develop high quality products without having to acquire additional equipment, machinery, space, or people. This provides significant benefits to companies of all shapes and sizes.

The right CM not only helps keep manufacturing costs low, they also help improve the quality and consistency of products produced. Contract manufacturers often have years of manufacturing experience and utilize advanced technologies for testing and quality assurance. These are experts in their field, able to help companies grow and expand into new markets. Perhaps the greatest benefit of outsourcing is that it frees up time, allowing companies to focus on growing their brand. This can make all the difference in the world in today’s competitive landscape.

In order to take full advantage of the benefits of outsourcing, companies must develop and maintain a good relationship with their CM. That starts from the first interview with a potential CM.

Contract Negotiations

The contract helps determine the specifics of the project including important details like cost. This part of the process is crucial to the development of a mutually beneficial relationship with the CM. Contract negotiations is the best time to determine and identify any limitations of the CM in regards to production capacity and the time required for quality control.

Establishing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship

It’s important that both company and contract manufacturer realize they share a symbiotic relationship; the success of one contributes to the success of the other. This is why it’s so important that companies take the time and effort necessary to build a lasting relationship with the CM.

Quality Parameters

Utilizing a contract manufacturer can significantly improve the quality of products produced. However, it’s important that companies establish stringent quality parameters right from the start. Even better, companies should choose a contract manufacturer that already has quality check parameters in place.

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

Emerging Trends May Have Lasting Impact on the Manufacturing Industry

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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.

How to Present Your Idea to a Contract Manufacturer

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Although there are numerous benefits to working with a contract manufacturer, presenting a CM with new ideas can intimidate even the most confident OEM. When pitching an idea, it’s important to do so in a way that encourages the development of a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with the CM. Making the right pitch to a potential outsourcing partner not only helps develop the relationship, it also allows the OEM to practice and refine their pitch for customers and vendors.

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer

Once a business has an idea, they typically conduct market research to determine how their intended audience perceives their idea. If successful, they must then locate a potential CM to work with.

For best results, OEMs should choose a contract manufacturer with years of experience creating products for a wide range of markets. This helps ensure they have the resources available to expand into new markets. The CM should have the proper equipment, experience, and technology to produce the types of products required.

During the interview process, the OEM should present their idea clearly and concisely. This first impression helps build the foundation for the relationship with the manufacturing partner.

In addition to providing a detailed business plan, it’s a good idea for the OEM to have some questions prepared before the first communication with the CM. Common questions revolve around:

  1. Production minimums
  2. Prototype/sampling process
  3. Turnaround time
  4. Lead times

Once the OEM has clearly presented the idea to the contract manufacturer, the CM will determine the price of the project based on quantity and materials.

Every company has different needs when it comes to timeline, price, experience, and capabilities. These needs often vary from project to project. It’s important that the OEM dedicates an appropriate amount of time and effort into finding the right contract manufacturer. Taking the time now can go a long way towards a successful and long lasting relationship with the CM.

Southern California Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering, Inc. provides a wide range of contract manufacturing services. We have helped many OEMs turn their ideas into reality. Please contact us for more information about our services.

Top Benefits of Working With a Contract Manufacturer

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Companies often find they do not have the capacity to bring new products to market. Unfortunately, this can have a major impact on their success and their ability to compete. This is especially true for businesses in highly competitive industries.

Working with a contract manufacturer allows businesses to create new products for less money than producing them in-house. In addition to significant cost-savings, there are numerous other benefits to working with an experienced CM.

Companies of all shapes and sizes can benefit from working with a contract manufacturer. Smaller companies and start-ups often utilize CMs to help bring new products to market. The CM might help with some or all parts of production. Larger organizations typically utilize CMs to help fulfill periods of high demand. Whatever the reason, CMs provide valuable services to a wide range of organizations.

Fast Turnaround

It takes time to create designs, build prototypes, and test new products. In order to create new products, companies that must first obtain the appropriate people, machinery, and space to complete the project. Using a contract manufacturer provides instant access to experienced designers and project managers. Most CMs have years of experience and understand what works and what does not. They maintain a full staff and utilize the latest equipment, techniques, and technologies. This helps ensure quick turnaround.

Quality Controls

Experienced contract manufacturers will have a Quality Management System in place. These CMs test every single part and component to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced. This also helps catch issues sooner, when they’re easier to fix. By increasing the quality of products produced, companies increase customer satisfaction.

When choosing a contract manufacturer, make sure to look for an ISO-certified CM.

Cost Savings

A qualified contract manufacturer provides a number of services including product design, complex assembly, welding, clean room assembly, printed circuit board assembly, and precision machining. Hiring a contract manufacturer provides access to all of these services without the high costs of labor, manufacturing equipment, and supplies. This saves a considerable amount of money over producing products in-house.

Means Engineering offers a wide range of contract manufacturing services. Please contact us for details.

 

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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