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

2020 Electronics Manufacturing Trends

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As a leading Southern California contract manufacturer, we’ve seen many changes in the electronics manufacturing industry over the past few years. While certain trends have come and gone, others will likely continue throughout 2020 and beyond. Below, we detail the top electronics manufacturing trends that could transform the electronics industry in 2020.

Internet of Things

The manufacturing industry continues to embrace the Internet of Things. Integration of equipment and devices with Internet of Things technology enables cost reduction, product innovation, increased efficiency, and reduced burden on staff. IoT technology automates and simplifies a number of processes, eliminating tasks and the risk of human error.

We expect to see many more businesses in the electronics manufacturing industry implement IoT technology into their business next year.

Predictive Analysis

Several businesses have begun using technology and IoT devices to enable fast detection of potential problems. Manufacturers that utilize predictive technologies catch issues sooner, before they can slow production or lead to costly downtime. In addition to preventing downtime, predictive maintenance reduces maintenance and repair costs.

ERP Systems

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system help keeps manufacturing businesses competitive and lean. The right ERP system can help a manufacturer track inventory and orders in real-time. When provided in the cloud, an ERP system provides instant access to actionable data and reports from any location in the world.

3D Printing

3D printing has gained a lot of popularity over recent years. Manufacturers commonly use 3D printers to create prototypes, enabling designers to troubleshoot and test their products sooner. This increases time to market and provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional prototype creation.

Contract Manufacturers

As consumer demand increases, more companies are utilizing the help of contract manufacturers. CMs can help a company produce new products, expand into new markets, and increase the quality of products produced. OEMs, start-ups, and small businesses frequently turn to contract manufacturers to help fulfill periods of high demand. We expect this will continue into 2020.

Means Engineering offers a wide range of contract manufacturing services designed to help our clients reduce costs and time to market. As an ISO certified contract manufacturer, we understand the need for exceptional service and quality. Please contact us for information about our services.

Does Your Contract Manufacturer Have the Right Technology to Handle Your Project?

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Having the right technology is extremely important when creating electronic devices and components. Without the right tools and technology, quality suffers. This can create problems with reputation and lead to costly product recalls. Although working with a contract manufacturer can help increase quality and reduce costs, it’s important to make sure the CM you work with is tech savvy enough to handle your project requirements.

Equipment

The manufacturing equipment used can have a major impact on the finished product. When selecting a CM to work with, make sure the company you choose has the right machinery and equipment to produce the products you require.

People

In addition to having the right equipment and machinery, your CM should have a full staff of experienced and dedicated professionals. If possible, visit the CM’s facility and speak directly with the people responsible for creating your products.

Quality Management System

Nothing determines the success of a new product more than quality. Offering high quality products improves sales, increases the chance of repeat business and recommendations, and can significantly help grow a company’s brand.

When choosing a contract manufacturer, look for a CM with a Quality Management System in place. Ask potential CMs whether they are ISO certified. Companies that have received ISO certification have proven that they meet or exceed extremely high standards for quality.

Traceability

In order to ensure the finished quality and correct assembly of electronic devices, companies need to track all devices and components throughout production. Traceability is extremely important, especially when creating custom devices and/or devices for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries.

Make sure the CM you choose actively uses a proven traceability system. The system should allow the CM to track every part and component through all stages of production. This type of system provides valuable insight and ensures everyone knows and understands the progress and status of the project.

Means Engineering offers a variety of contract manufacturing services including design, production, and testing of a wide range of products. An ISO certified CM, Means Engineering uses best practices and equipment to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Please contact us for more information about our services.

Why Do Businesses Outsource?

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Not that long ago, most businesses were reluctant to outsource the manufacturing of their products. This has changed in recent years, with businesses of all shapes and sizes outsourcing production at an alarming rate.  While many businesses argue that outsourcing makes sense for larger corporations with extremely high demand, smaller businesses may benefit even more from outsourcing. Outsourcing allows companies to create a large number of high quality devices, faster, and at a lower cost than possible in-house.

There are numerous benefits to outsourcing. The following are just a few of the main reasons companies outsource.

Fulfill Periods of High Demand

Organizations often find they do not have the resources needed to fulfill periods of high demand. Outsourcing allows these businesses to keep up with consumer demand without having to purchase extra equipment and space to create and store new products in-house. This is one of the most common reasons businesses outsource.

Create Products for New Markets

Companies that wish to move into new markets often learn that many industries have strict requirements for device operation and reliability. This is especially true for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries.

Utilizing a contract manufacturer provides access to individuals with years of experience. Quality CMs understand strict requirements and know how to test products and components to be sure they’ll perform reliably even under harsh conditions.

Free Up Resources

Producing products in-house takes a lot of time and effort. When an organization outsources, they free up their time, money, and people. Money that the organization would typically spend on production can be used for marketing or other efforts instead.

Increase Quality

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturer is that it allows organizations to increase the quality of the products they produce. CMs utilize the latest technology and techniques. They use state-of-the-art equipment and machinery and they understand what works and what does not. This puts them in the best possible position to create a wide range of high quality products.

Means Engineering has helped numerous organizations create high quality devices. Please contact us to learn how outsourcing can help your business succeed.

 

Contract Manufacturers Help Companies Succeed

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Consumers today expect businesses to release a constant stream of new electronics with more features and functionality than ever before. It’s clear that start-ups and smaller companies need to look for alternate ways to produce and deliver new products if they wish to succeed.

Unfortunately, many companies simply do not have the time, resources, space, and quality management system in place to produce high quality products quickly and within budget.

Working with a contract manufacturer makes it possible for companies to produce a wide range of products without having to obtain the people, space, equipment, and technology needed to design, produce, test, and store new products and components.

Access the Right People, Technology, and Equipment

With so many companies producing electronic devices, quality and consistency can set a company apart. However, it’s important to note that even with the best quality management system in place, companies need to have the right people, technology, space, and specialized equipment to create high quality electronic devices. Without these pieces, there is no way a company can succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.

Reduce Costs

An experienced contract manufacturer, like Means Engineering Inc., works directly with your company from design to completion. During the design phase, the right CM can help locate areas in your design plans that could benefit from improvement. This might include switching out a certain material or adjusting measurements. When utilized during the design phase, an experienced CM can provide valuable advice to improve the quality of finished products and/or reduce the cost of production. This could be just what your company needs to get ahead of the competition.

Improve Quality & Consistency

When you work with a contract manufacturer, you can rest assured that all products produced meet strict requirements for quality. CMs understand the importance of quality control and have years of experience designing, creating, and testing a wide range of products for a variety of industries. This puts them in the best position to produce high quality products time and time again.

Means Engineering can help your business succeed! Please contact us for more information.

 

 

 

 

Should Your Electronic Business Use a Contract Manufacturer?

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Hiring a contract manufacturer provides numerous benefits to businesses in the electronics industry. Working with a quality CM has been shown to reduce costs, improve quality and customer satisfaction, while reducing time to market. With access to experienced professionals and high quality tools and technology, the right partnership can provide the extra boost you need to grow and expand into new markets.

If you’ve been wondering if your electronics business could benefit from hiring a contract manufacturer you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the decision of outsourcing. While outsourcing might not be the right choice for every business, failing to explore your options could cost you a lot of time and money. Read on to learn whether your electronic business could benefit from working with a contract manufacturer.

Your Design Process Could Benefit From Streamlining

The electronics industry is extremely competitive. Consumers today expect new products to hit the shelf at an alarming rate. Electronics businesses often find it difficult to keep up with consumer demand. This can cause problems when the competition consistently beats your products to market.

An experienced contract manufacturer can help streamline your design process and reduce holdups that are common in house. This makes it possible to bring new products to market sooner.

You Can’t Fulfill Large Orders

If your business struggles to fulfill large orders it’s probably time to consider outsourcing. It takes a lot of time, people, space, and equipment to produce large amounts of electronic products. Outsourcing takes the stress and expense off your shoulders, making it possible to fulfill large orders without requiring additional time or money.

You’re Spending Too Much on Design or Production Problems

Problems with design or production can cost your business a lot of time and money. A contract manufacturer can help if you’re spending too much money and effort fixing design or production problems. The right contract manufacturer helps you spot problems sooner, when they are easier (and less expensive) to resolve.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services designed to help our clients succeed. Please contact us to learn how we can help your electronics business.

 

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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