Is a contract manufacturer capable of handling your project?
The very first thing you should find out before choosing a particular contract manufacturer is whether that company uses the technology required for your product. No matter how attractive the terms of potential co-operation may be, it simply will not work if a vendor from EMS is not capable of handling the production tasks specified in your project.
For example, you need a company that offers high-mix low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing. Regardless of how eager a contract manufacturer is to work with you, it is highly unlikely this company will be able to customise its production line just to meet your requirements. If the facility does not have required equipment, its customization will require significant resources from a EMS provider.
Another example is limitations for the size of components used for device production. Assuming you require the smallest possible components for your product, you need to ensure that the production line is compatible with such electronic units.
Can an EMS provider guarantee timely delivery of your products?
Certainly, any reputable EMS provider will do one’s best to meet production deadlines. However, if you have some specific expectations, for instance, a rather limited time for the realisation of your project, it is worth discussing this issue openly in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary costs later on.
At the same time, it is essential to keep in mind various undesirable scenarios that may affect the delivery of components used to manufacture your product. While some of these definitely depend on an EMS provider, there are also possible scenarios unrelated to the work of a contract manufacturer, but can still affect production.
A good practise would be to discuss the ways in which a contract manufacturer can ensure continuity of production. For example, Assel, a Poland-based EMS provider with over forty years of experience in the industry, has developed a dynamic supply management system and diversified component suppliers so as not to rely on a single one that might not be available in times of crisis.
Optimised supply chain management also helps OEMs save significant sums of money, as the price of electronic components can account for up to 80% of the final manufacturing cost.
What is the condition of the machinery?
The manufacturing machinery and test equipment used by a contract manufacturer are some of the key factors determining the quality of the final product. Although contract manufacturers advertise their facilities without any limitations, you can get a more objective picture of the condition of the manufacturing facility by visiting the site yourself. Keep in mind that a trustworthy EMS provider will allow you to visit the facility.
If a contract manufacturer’s location is too far from you, it may not be easy for you to visit the production facility. In this case, ask the contract manufacturer to provide you with documentation on the equipment. Pay attention to the testing equipment, which is equally important for the quality of your product. Reviews from other OEMs who have visited the facility are also helpful.
Learn more about your new EMS provider
Working with a professional contract manufacturer is an effective way to start producing goods of any complexity without investing in your own manufacturing infrastructure. With the support of an experienced contract manufacturer, you can ensure that the quality of the final product meets your standards. Learn more about working with an EMS provider on https://asselems.com/en/what-is-electronics-manufacturing-services-ems
