Electronic contract manufacturers differ widely in terms of capabilities. If you’re in the market for a maker of custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, or electro-mechanical assemblies, you need a manufacturing partner with more than just the right tooling and equipment. You want an electronic contract manufacturer that’s more like a member of your engineering and procurement teams.
So how can you tell if your electronic contract manufacturer is wired for your success? For that matter, how can you tell if it’s time for your sourcing manager to revisit vendor selection? Different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have different needs, but every company wants to save time and money. Production times are important, but so is an integrated approach to design and manufacturing.
Time and Teamwork
The old saying that “time is money” is as true today as when the most senior members of your engineering team started their careers. Whenever more than one company works on a project, miscommunication can occur and result in delays. Plenty of companies talk about “customer service”, but you need an electronic contract manufacturer who will identify challenges promptly and communicate them clearly.
As an OEM, it’s also cost-effective to choose an electronic contract manufacturer who can handle multiple tasks. Otherwise, you may need to seek design assistance from one expert, discuss component sourcing with another, and learn about storing finished goods from third. Unless each of these organizations is wired for your success, you may fail to achieve optimal cost savings from outsourcing.
Consistency and Quality
Passing projects to multiple vendors can also present challenges in terms of the consistency and quality of your custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, or electro-mechanical assemblies. For example, if you’re asking for engineering support from a company that can’t provide component sourcing, how can you be sure you’re getting the most cost-effective parts?
Cost is important, but it’s not the only consideration – especially in applications where failure is not option. Choosing an electronic contract manufacturer based on price may seem like a bargain, but what if the company can’t meet your quality requirements? Medical devices and military systems aren’t the only projects where products that don’t meet the specification are unacceptable.
Choose SHINE for Your Electronic Contract Manufacturer
SHINE is an electronic contract manufacturer that specializes in custom cable assembly, wire harnessing, and electro-mechanical assembly. From design assistance and component sourcing to prototyping to production, we support you every step of the way. Our manufacturing center in Adams, Massachusetts is certified to ISO 9001:2008, and we build all our cables to the IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard.
Learn more about us and how we’re wired for your success. For your next custom cable assembly, wire harness, or electro-mechanical assembly, contact SHINE.