electronics industry Archives - Page 3 of 4

Cutting Costs on Production

July 6, 2018 By meiadmin

Cutting Costs on Production

Manufacturing companies often find it difficult to keep up with the rising costs of new product creation. This is especially true for companies creating products for demanding markets. With the high price of production facilities, supplies, equipment, staff, and technology, most companies are not able to produce enough new products to remain competitive. Cutting costs is vital to the success of a manufacturing company.

Many companies believe that cutting costs means reducing the quality of products produced. In an effort to produce more products, these companies may cut employee training or use less than ideal supplies or technologies. This can have a negative effect on the way that people view your products.

Consumers today have high expectations of the products they purchase. With more and more people relying on the opinions of others, one bad review could lead to the failure of a company.

Outsourcing is the best way to reduce costs while ensuring the quality of products produced. Working with an experienced contract manufacturer can have numerous benefits for manufacturing companies today.

A contract manufacturer helps cut costs in multiple ways. Companies can use a CM for design, production, and/or testing of products.

Design

A contract manufacturer provides a second set of eyes for design plans. These are typically highly trained and experienced individuals. The right contract manufacturer can review the design and locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might include cutting out a process or changing the type of material used. An experienced CM knows how to cut costs without affecting quality. In fact, their changes often result in a better product.

Production

A contract manufacturer has the people, equipment, space, and technology needed to produce a wide range of products. By utilizing their services, you eliminate the need to procure these resources yourself. This saves you money and allows you to better allocate your resources and people.

Testing

Testing is crucial to the quality of finished products. Skipping this important step can be detrimental to a manufacturing company’s success. Unfortunately, testing equipment is expensive and can take up a lot of space.

A quality contract manufacturer has the testing equipment and experience necessary to ensure the quality and durability of products produced. This helps increase consumer trust in your brand.

Testing Electronics

June 22, 2018 By meiadmin

Testing Electronics

When creating electronics, companies must be extremely careful to fully test all products and components. It’s important that the contract manufacturer you work with has solid testing practices in place. This helps ensure the quality and reliability of products produced.

Testing is different from inspections, which are generally performed to check whether all parts fit together correctly. Inspections do not determine the quality or reliability of products produced. Testing is the only way to know for sure whether or not a product works the way it was intended.

Proper testing helps ensure product quality, durability, and safety. Typical testing methods focus on either functionality or product performance under stress. Stress testing is extremely important for devices that will be used in extreme conditions such as in space, or underwater.

A quality contract manufacturer uses a variety of test solutions to ensure that products work properly. For the best results, testing should take place throughout production, and each component should be tested.

Types of Testing

There are several different types of testing commonly used for electronic devices. The actual type of testing performed depends on many factors including when, where, and how the device will be used. Some electronics require more testing than others. Some products must undergo environmental or climate testing to check their performance in harsh environments. This is crucial for devices used by the aerospace and defense industries.

Some products must be tested to see how they perform when exposed to vibration, shock, and acceleration. Other products must be able to withstand sand, dust, or water without becoming damaged or less effective.

Design, Production, and Testing of Electronic Devices

Means Engineering, Inc. offers design, production, and testing of a wide range of electronic products. Our team works directly with each of our clients to develop a testing solution that meets their unique needs and requirements.

We provide testing throughout all parts of production to ensure the quality, reliability, and consistency of products produced. We are an ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified contract manufacturer. This helps us ensure that all products have met the strictest requirements for quality.

Electronic Devices – Understanding How They Work

March 30, 2018 By meiadmin

Electronic Devices – Understanding How They Work

Electronic devices are a big part of modern day life. From cell phones to appliances, these devices make our lives more comfortable and convenient. If you’ve ever held an electronic device in your hand and wondered how it works, you’re not alone. Most people do not fully understand how electronics do the things they do.

Electronic devices are used by almost every industry to perform a number of tasks. These devices contain electronic circuits, which supply power and control the device. Electronic circuits bring electronics to life.

Electronic Circuits

Electronic circuits are made with a number of electronic components including resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. The resistor restricts the flow of the current, the capacitor stores an electric charge, diodes allow the current to flow in one direction, and the transistor controls the current flow. All of these components are contained inside electronic circuits.

The number and type of components contained on a circuit depends on the type of application the device is being used for. The only similarity between each circuit is the fact that all circuit wires begin and end at the same point.

Printed Circuit Boards

Most electronic devices used today require complex circuits. To make these, designers must carefully arrange components on a circuit board. Many companies use printed circuit boards (PCB) to save time and cost. These plastic boards have their layout chemically printed on their surface.

Integrated Circuits

As technology evolves, electronic devices are getting smaller and more efficient. These devices require complex circuits with several thousand components. Integrated circuits (IC) are commonly used for these situations. ICs are tiny circuits that fit inside a silicon chip. ICs are used in cell phones, laptops, and other advanced electronics.

Contract Manufacturing

Companies wishing to create complex devices often enlist the help of a contract manufacturer (CM). A CM helps improve design and create cost-effective, high quality electronic devices.

An experienced contract manufacturer provides a second set of eyes during the design process. This helps locate areas that can be improved. Companies use contract manufacturing services during product development to help cut costs and reduce time-to-market.

Developing an Effective Process for New Product Development

March 3, 2018 By meiadmin

Developing an Effective Process for New Product Development

New product development is crucial to success in an ever-changing marketplace. New products help businesses reach new clients, expand into new markets and increase trust in their brand. Unfortunately, many companies have difficulty with new product development. These companies are either too optimistic or too aggressive.

With technology constantly evolving, the advantages of new electronic devices are often short lived. Companies wishing to stay afloat must constantly develop new ideas and innovations.

In order to create an effective process for new product development, you need to consider your people, products and process. These factors are crucial to success, even if you outsource your new product development to a contract manufacturer.

Team Members

When it comes to your team, it’s important to determine exactly which team members will be responsible for making important decisions. In order to figure out your team members’ roles, you need to thoroughly evaluate the skills and attitudes of each team member.

Every successful team includes people that are willing to attempt new things and make tough decisions. Each person on your team should have a specific job to do based on his or her individual strengths.

New Product

When deciding whether to add to your existing product line or to take a new direction, you’ll need to take a close look at what works and what does not. Evaluate your portfolio for patterns relating to member satisfaction and ROI.

The Process

You’ll need to develop an efficient process for product approval. It’s also crucial to determine exactly how you’ll measure the success of new products.

Outsourcing New Product Development

Many small businesses have a difficult time with new product development. These companies often do not have the space, people, technology or equipment necessary to produce new products. Small businesses can enlist the help of a contract manufacturer.

An experienced contract manufacturer is able to help with the design, production and testing of new products. They provide valuable expertise to help you locate areas to cut costs and make production more efficient. This helps small businesses keep up with ever-changing technologies.

Top 4 Things to Look For in Contract Manufacturer

January 12, 2018 By meiadmin

Top 4 Things to Look For in Contract Manufacturer

Both small and mid-size companies sometimes find it difficult to meet the increasing demand of the electronics industry. These businesses often do not have the space, people, technology or equipment to fulfill large orders or produce new products. Instead, they must outsource production to a contract manufacturer.

A contract manufacturer can help with the design, production and testing of electronic products. An experienced contract manufacturer has the proper technology and equipment to complete large and/or difficult orders.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to ensure the company you choose can help keep your customers satisfied and your business growing. There are a few things you should look out for when hiring a contract manufacturer. Let’s take a look at the top 4.

Experience

When selecting a contract manufacturer, you will want to make sure that they have the skills and experience necessary to produce your products. They should have experience working with a variety of industries. They should have a reputation for providing consistent, high quality products. Highly trained individuals should operate the company and demand the same level of excellence from their staff.

Flexibility

The needs of your business can change. While you might only require assistance with the production of products in high demand now, you might need help with new product development later. The best contract manufacturers will offer a variety of services on an as-needed basis.

Up-to-date Technology

In order to remain competitive in the electronics industry, you need to be able to provide cutting-edge products. Choose a contract manufacturer who stays up-to-date with techniques, technology, industry standards and equipment.

Quality Control

The quality of your products says a lot about your business. High quality products increase consumer trust in your brand. It’s crucial to work with a contract manufacturer with a comprehensive Quality Management System. This helps ensure the reliability and quality of products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers high quality contract manufacturing services to a variety of industries. We offer a wide range of services including design, production and testing. We are an ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified Southern California contract manufacturer.