When you are looking for an Electronic
Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider for your next project or program, you
need to be sure to choose the right one from all types of suppliers available. As
electronic manufacturing is a complicated process, any decision to transfer this
practice to an external supplier must be taken with great care.
EMS provided by companies like Optima Technology Associates, that design, assemble,
produce, and test electronic components and printed
circuit board (PCB) assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
There are lots of reasons why an OEM might choose to outsource its electronics manufacturing.
The decision can impact business in a variety of ways, from the people and facilities,
through to the connections an OEM holds with customers and suppliers. A successful
outsourcing strategy requires an assessment of your current positioning and clarity
of goals and objectives.
Start your research for the right electronics manufacturer by first checking their
website to discover as many details as you can. Next, develop a list of candidates
fitting your criteria and willow it down to at least three different ones to survey.
This can be by telephone or face-to-face to get a better sense of what it would
be like to work with them.
If the Company is not concerned with how it projects itself to outside visitors,
then maybe that tells you something. You will be relying on them to reduce cost
and provide excellent quality services which requires a systemic approach to attention
to detail - either they have one or they don't.
Have a predefined list of questions which are critical for you and your program.
For example, how much experience do they have in manufacturing the component you
need? Have they worked on projects similar to yours in the past? What kind of guarantees
do they offer? How much do they charge?
The companies you talk to would likely take some time to give you a very detailed
quote, which makes it easier for you to compare what each one is offering for a
given price. Make sure you know what would happen if any of the parts are faulty.
You will want to choose acompany that stands behind their product or services and
will work with you to make sure you are 100% satisfied with the results.
As part of the interview process, you likely discovered whether or not the electronics
manufacturer is appropriately certified to handle your program. Quality accreditations
/ evidence of industry standard knowledge isessential, along with on-time-performance.
You should know what type of quality is provided by the
electronic manufacturing service company, and you should ensure they
have technical resources for your product.
You should expect their manufacturers to have or have access to the equipment and
knowledge of the technology needed for your projects. In the case of a contract
manufacturer, is the equipment current?Are maintenance and calibration schedules
met and documented?
On occasion for a particular application, new equipment may be needed. Be clear
about who is paying for that? How long will it take for the equipment to be installed
and the personnel to be trained?
Regardless of whatyour requirements are, the best electronic manufacturing companies
such as Optima Technology will offer a full series of services, including engineering
expertise to ensure your success.