Electronic Devices Archives - Page 2 of 12

It’s Time to Start Focusing on Growing Your Business!

April 10, 2020 By cscheafer

Companies around the United States are scrambling to figure out how to keep their businesses afloat. For companies that produce electronic devices and products, competition is at an all-time high. If these businesses want to succeed, they need to focus on reaching as many people as possible. Unfortunately, many businesses spend all of their time and budget manufacturing products in-house. While this offers a high level of control over production, it doesn’t leave much room for marketing and other efforts aimed at growing your business.

There Are Numerous Advantages To Using An Experienced CM

Using a contract manufacturer not only reduces cost and time to market, it allows management to focus on core competencies like sales and marketing. By putting more effort into reaching the public through social media and other methods, businesses can experience significant growth, especially with so many people working from home. This could mean the difference between success and failure in these uncertain times.

In addition to freeing up time and resources, using a CM for part or all of production makes it possible for businesses to increase their product line and bring new products to market faster. The right CM also helps ensure products meet high standards for quality and performance, improving public opinion and trust.

Gaining access to experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment and machinery is another benefit of utilizing an experienced contract manufacturer. CMs often invest a significant amount of time and money to obtain highly qualified people and top-rated equipment.

Even businesses that have everything they need to produce a wide range of products can benefit from partnering with a contract manufacturer. CMs can help fulfill periods of high demand and provide a second set of eyes for design plans. When used during the design process, CMs can spot areas that could benefit from improvement that might have otherwise gone unnoticed by those closest to the project. Even small changes made by the CM could potentially save the business a significant amount of time and money on production.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from working with an experienced contract manufacturer. In addition to improving quality and reducing costs, CMs enable management to focus on what really matters – growing their business!

Reducing Component End-Of-Life Risks

April 3, 2020 By cscheafer

Component end-of-life (EOL) is a common problem with electronics manufacturing. During the design process, designers must consider the likelihood that specific components will be discontinued at some point during production. Unfortunately, there’s often no way to know when the manufacturer of certain components will run out of stock or discontinue production. When this occurs, companies that rely on these components to create their product face rising costs and costly redesign when the component manufacturer eventually runs out of stock.

Although EOL can impact all industries, it tends to hit highly regulated industries like medical and defense much harder. This is because companies responsible for the creation of products for these industries must gain certification for each product they produce. Even small changes to the design can necessitate an expensive and time-consuming re-certification process.

Ideally, designers should only select components they know will be around for quite some time. Fortunately, there are a few things designers can look for when determining component EOL.

Supplier Reputation

When choosing components for use in an electronic device, it’s important to look at the reputation of the supplier. A reputable supplier will stand behind their components. Another factor to consider is the number of suppliers offering the specific component. It’s much riskier if the component used only has one supplier. With more than one supplier, there’s always a back-up if one or more goes out of business.

Avoid Counterfeits

Counterfeit components often enter the market as parts become harder to source. Although companies are often tempted to purchase counterfeits, doing so can negatively affect the quality of finished products. This is another reason why it’s extremely important that designers make sure they purchase components from a reputable source.

Consult a Contract Manufacturer for Advice

Although there isn’t any guarantee that components will remain available forever, an experienced electronics contract manufacturer like Means Engineering can provide information about reliable sources and components. Contract manufacturers deal with suppliers on a daily basis and can provide valuable advice on potential EOLs. The earlier you consult with an experienced CM the better equipped you’ll be in the future.

Using a Contract Manufacturer to Grow Your Online Business

March 13, 2020 By cscheafer

The Internet has created numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to sell their products to people around the world. While selling products online can bring significant income, many businesses simply do not know how to meet extremely high consumer demand.

People purchase products online at increasing rates. According to a study by Statistica, around 80% of all Internet users will make a purchase online within the year. Companies wishing to sell their products online can reach more people in a much shorter amount of time than possible with a retail location. Although many companies and entrepreneurs are tempted to take advantage of the Internet’s potential to grow their business, they need to make sure they’re prepared for the large influx of potential orders.

Prior to starting an online business, it’s important the company determines how they will keep up with strong demand. Enlisting the help of a contract manufacturer can help ensure a steady stream of high quality products.

Design

Experienced contract manufacturers provide a wide range of services. In addition to providing manufacturing of parts, components, and products, CMs also provide design services to businesses looking to create or improve design plans. Contract manufacturers often have years of experience producing products for a wide range of industries. Through trial and error, they’ve learned what works and what does not.

When utilized during the design phase, a contract manufacturer can analyze design plans and locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might be something as simple as changing the type of material or the size of different components. Often these changes improve the quality of finished products.

Production

Contract manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products. They often employ a full-time staff of design and manufacturing experts. They utilize the best processes, equipment, and technology. Using a contract manufacturer provides access to all of these resources, without the high price of acquiring them in-house.

Testing

In addition to design and production, a quality CM can help ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced. By using quality testing equipment and techniques, the CM will test each part and component as it moves through the production process. This helps catch issues sooner when they’re easier and less expensive to fix.

Means Engineering has the tools and people needed to help you grow your business. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

How Electronic Contract Manufacturing Services Can Benefit Your Business

March 6, 2020 By cscheafer

Many electronics companies outsource some or all parts of production. This probably has something to do with the high cost of in-house production. Even if a company can manage the cost of equipment, people, and the technology needed to produce products themselves, it’s extremely difficult to keep up with rising consumer demand for quality electronics. Unfortunately, releasing just one poor quality device could negatively impact company reputation and the ability to obtain a steady flow of repeat and new business.

There are numerous benefits to outsourcing electronic manufacturing services. In addition to reducing costs and time to market, the right electronic contract manufacturer can also increase the quality of products produced.

Improved Quality and Consistency

As mentioned above, quality is extremely important when producing electronic devices. The right electronic contract manufacturer has the tools and experience needed to ensure strict quality control standards and compliance with local, state, federal, and international regulations. ECMs often have years of experience producing, testing, and improving products for a variety of industries.

Cost Savings

Working with an electronic contract manufacturer provides numerous cost savings over producing products in-house. In addition to providing access to the best people, equipment, machinery, and technology, the right ECM can reduce production costs by reducing the number of errors and re-dos.

Improved Turnaround

ECMs have established relationships with their suppliers, making it faster and easier for them to obtain the components they need to complete each project. This, combined with the ECMs vast experience, can significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market.

Specialized Manufacturing Services

Certain industries like medical, aerospace, and defense have extremely strict requirements when it comes to device construction. With these industries, there is no room for error. It’s important to find an ECM with experience and expertise in these industries. This helps ensure quality and compliance with strict regulations.

Means Engineering has years of experience working with a wide range of industries including the medical, aerospace, and defense industries. We understand the importance of creating high quality electronic devices. Please contact us for information about our comprehensive electronic contract manufacturing services.

Making the Most of Your Relationship with Your Contract Manufacturer

February 14, 2020 By cscheafer

Companies must make strategic decisions to keep costs low. One of the biggest decisions facing companies today is the choice between manufacturing in-house and outsourcing to an experienced contract manufacturer.

Utilizing a CM makes it possible for companies to develop high quality products without having to acquire additional equipment, machinery, space, or people. This provides significant benefits to companies of all shapes and sizes.

The right CM not only helps keep manufacturing costs low, they also help improve the quality and consistency of products produced. Contract manufacturers often have years of manufacturing experience and utilize advanced technologies for testing and quality assurance. These are experts in their field, able to help companies grow and expand into new markets. Perhaps the greatest benefit of outsourcing is that it frees up time, allowing companies to focus on growing their brand. This can make all the difference in the world in today’s competitive landscape.

In order to take full advantage of the benefits of outsourcing, companies must develop and maintain a good relationship with their CM. That starts from the first interview with a potential CM.

Contract Negotiations

The contract helps determine the specifics of the project including important details like cost. This part of the process is crucial to the development of a mutually beneficial relationship with the CM. Contract negotiations is the best time to determine and identify any limitations of the CM in regards to production capacity and the time required for quality control.

Establishing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship

It’s important that both company and contract manufacturer realize they share a symbiotic relationship; the success of one contributes to the success of the other. This is why it’s so important that companies take the time and effort necessary to build a lasting relationship with the CM.

Quality Parameters

Utilizing a contract manufacturer can significantly improve the quality of products produced. However, it’s important that companies establish stringent quality parameters right from the start. Even better, companies should choose a contract manufacturer that already has quality check parameters in place.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to businesses across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for information about our services.