AS 9100 Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

Ensuring Quality When Using a Contract Manufacturer

December 6, 2019 By cscheafer

There are numerous benefits to using a contract manufacturer. In addition to reducing costs and time-to-market, outsourcing also allows for better allocation of staff and greater flexibility. Despite the benefits, many organizations still worry that outsourcing will equate to lower quality products. While monitoring quality is a little more difficult when you outsource, there are a few things you can do to ensure high quality products. In fact, partnering with the right CM can actually improve the quality of the products you produce.

Quality Management System

Companies that have a comprehensive Quality Management System in place have taken the time and steps needed to ensure quality assurance. Look for a company with AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification. It also helps to look for a CM that has experience working with a wide range of industries. This provides numerous benefits to companies looking to expand into new markets.

Clear Communication

Before partnering with a CM, make sure there’s a clear line of communication. It’s normal and expected to have regular meetings throughout the design and production process to ensure everyone is on the same page. It’s also important that the CM you work with notifies you of any changes before they occur. This should be clearly stated in your contract.

It’s also important to have a system in place to manage and interpret the information provided by the contract manufacturer.

Communication Timeline

It’s important to establish communication standards including response times and who will be responsible for managing communications. This is extremely important before beginning any project.

You want to make sure that you can get in touch with the CM if there is a recall or other issue with a part or component used in your product. Alternatively, you need to let consumers know if their device is not affected by the recall. The last thing you want is to have to wait for a reply.

Means Engineering has years of experience working with numerous industries. We work directly with each of our clients throughout the entire project, from design to completion. Please contact us to learn more about our contract manufacturing services.

Reducing Manufacturing Costs

November 15, 2019 By cscheafer

There are numerous benefits to partnering with a qualified contract manufacturer. In addition to improved quality and customer satisfaction, companies that outsource save a considerable amount of money. While the actual savings will vary based on industry and types of products being produced, all companies that outsource save in the following ways:

Equipment, Machinery & Quality Staff

Companies that choose to create products in-house must obtain their own equipment, technology, machines, and people. They must also find a location large enough for production, storage, and daily operations. This can take a lot of time and money. Most start-ups and small businesses simply do not have the capital needed to produce products in-house. Unfortunately, without the right equipment and knowledgeable staff, these companies quickly fall behind their competition.

Outsourcing provides companies with access to the latest technology, equipment, and knowledgeable staff without having to purchase or obtain anything in-house. Contract Manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products for a wide range of industries. This can make all of the difference in the world to a smaller business. Even larger organizations can benefit from outsourcing part or all of their production, especially when attempting to enter new markets.

Quality Testing

Experienced contract manufacturers follow strict requirements and perform testing throughout all stages of production. This helps catch potential problems early, before they are able to cause problems with the finished product. Quality CMs know how to solve a wide range of issues and can make recommendations on how to fix potential problems.

Regular testing of all parts and components helps prevent defects and ensures the quality and consistency of products produced. This can save a lot of time and money and help protect the company’s reputation with consumers.

Increased Productivity

Using an experienced contract manufacturer helps ensure products get to market faster. This improves customer satisfaction rates and helps companies keep up with consumer demand. Outsourcing also frees up in-house resources, allowing staff to focus on growing the business and marketing new products. While this isn’t a direct savings of using a contract manufacturer, increased productivity can definitely improve a company’s bottom line.

How Outsourcing Can Give You a Competitive Edge

May 3, 2019 By cscheafer

Working with a contract manufacturer is an excellent way to cut costs on production. However, this shouldn’t be your only focus. The right contract manufacturer can provide your company with the competitive edge you need to excel in your industry. There are numerous benefits to outsourcing if you’re able to properly leverage the value of your manufacturing partner.

Free Up Resources

Companies spend a significant amount of time and money producing new products. Outsourcing part or all of your production helps free up your resources. This allows you to focus on what really matters; growing your business.

Improve Time to Market

Thanks to advances in technology, consumers expect new products at an alarming rate. Many companies find it difficult to meet consumer demand. Outsourcing increases operational efficiency and reduces the time it takes to bring new products to market. This allows you to react faster to consumer demand, putting you ahead of your competition and increasing consumer trust and loyalty in your brand.

Improve Quality

Quality is extremely important to consumers today. Outsourcing helps improve the quality of finished products. During the design process, a contract manufacturer can help locate areas of your design that could benefit from improvement. This further reduces the cost of production and results in a better quality product. Your contract manufacturer will fully test all components throughout production to ensure their proper operation.

Expand Into New Markets

A quality contract manufacturer has years of experience working with several different industries. This provides you with access to the right tools, resources, technology, and knowledge to expand into new markets.

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing can provide your business with numerous benefits. In addition to cutting costs, the right contract manufacturer can help your business improve its chance of success. This is especially important in today’s competitive world.

Means Engineering, Inc. has years of experience working with a wide range of industries to provide a variety of services. From design to production, our team is well prepared to help your business succeed. Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

Outsourcing Custom Electronics

February 15, 2019 By cscheafer

Custom electronic projects take a lot of special consideration. When outsourcing these projects, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your needs up front. These needs must be communicated with your contract manufacturer to ensure the project’s proper completion. It’s important to consider the following prior to outsourcing.

Volume Requirements

Storing massive amounts of inventory is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the fastest ways to lose money. Outsourcing allows you to create smaller batches of custom electronics. This costs significantly less than producing small batches in house or producing large quantities to store.

Discuss your volume requirements with your contract manufacturer. This lets them know what to expect now and in the future. An experienced CM can provide you with suggestions on the best way to move forward.

Budget

Producing custom electronics takes a lot of space, people, equipment, and technology. In order to produce high quality custom electronics, you’ll need to consider the skills and expertise of your staff. If you feel that you have what it takes to produce these products on budget in-house, then this is probably the best option. However, outsourcing is the better choice if you think you’ll need to acquire more people or equipment to complete the project.

Time

Partnering with an experienced contract manufacturer can reduce the time it takes to complete your project. However, it might also cause delays moving product from one place to the next. It’s important to speak with your contract manufacturer about expected deadlines. Once you have a better understanding about how long the project will take, you need to compare it with the length of time it will take to produce the same custom electronics in-house.

Quality Control

Many small businesses do not put enough thought into quality control. This can cause a major problem, especially if electronic parts or components will be used in dangerous or demanding situations. Working with an ISO certified contract manufacturer helps ensure that products meet strict requirements for quality and reliability. These contract manufacturers have taken all necessary steps to ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Developing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship With Your Contract Manufacturer

February 8, 2019 By cscheafer

Small businesses and entrepreneurs often seek help when creating electronic products. Many of these companies simply do not have the people, equipment, space, or technology needed to produce new products.

Sometimes, these businesses need assistance creating electronic parts or components. Other times, they are looking to have an entire product produced. Whatever the case, there are a few things that can make the process go more smoothly.

Prepare Your Design Files

If you’ve created design files you’ll need to provide these to your contract manufacturer along with your Bill of Materials (BOM). This helps your contract manufacturer provide an accurate quote. It also ensures that everyone is on the same page right from the start.

If you don’t have design files, that’s alright as well. A contract manufacturer can help turn your ideas into functional products. They often employ teams of experienced individuals, capable of designing a wide range of products for multiple industries. At Means Engineering, we work directly with many of our clients from concept to completion.

Discuss Quantity Expectations

When searching for a contract manufacturer you need to ensure the company you choose is well prepared to handle the quantities you need. Make sure you discuss the number of different assemblies you plan to have produced including how many you’ll need in your first order and future orders.

Plans for Ongoing Production

A quality contract manufacturer acts as your partner. They stay by your side for as long as you need them. Don’t be afraid to talk to your contract manufacturer about your long term plans for production. This sets the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. Even if your production needs surpass what your contract manufacturer can handle, they likely have connections with other respectable companies.

At Means Engineering we provide design, production, and testing of a wide range of electronic products and components. We employ a team of experienced professionals and are pleased to pass our knowledge and experience to our valued customers. We strive to provide exceptional customer service, while exceeding customer expectations for quality and reliability.