Value-Added Services in Electronic Manufacturing Part 2
In the previous blog we covered a few value-added services an electronic manufacturer should be offering. We cover a couple of more in this blog.
Design-For-Manufacturing (DFM) Review
The electronic manufacturer’s design team is geared towards helping OEMs design a product that is optimized for manufacturing. This service can be especially beneficial to those OEM’s who do not have a fully-staffed manufacturing or mechanical engineering team on board. The DFM review helps identify potential future manufacturing issues in the initial design stages to prevent costly re-design during the later stages of manufacturing.
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These Are Some Major Benefits A DFM Review Can Provide
1.) Shorten New Product Introduction Cycle:
Oftentimes, an intricate design by the OEM design group may turn out to be difficult to manufacture, thus adding additional cost and time to the initial development and subsequent production of the product. By simplifying and reducing the number of manufacturing operations and parts count, certain optimization techniques can help make production feasible thus shortening the product development cycle. It enables a faster NPI and makes a shorter turnaround time in the subsequent mass production.
2.) Achieve Lowest Total Cost of Ownership:
By working with the electronic manufacturer’s procurement and sourcing team, the OEM customer is able to discuss the cost and availability of certain raw materials that are critical for the new product. The CM reviews the Bills of Material (BOM) to help identify materials of particular concern, giving the OEM the opportunity to seek more cost-effective alternatives before completely investing in the new product design. When feasible, the CM can suggest substitute solutions that function the same or better based on availability and cost.
3.) Attain Better Quality Control:
Standardization is essential to the sound building of quality control. Standard parts are normally tested and tried with a long history of successful applications. OEM’s manufacturing partner can evaluate the design and production flow and implement a standard operating procedure (SOP) under which production personnel is properly trained and overall quality control is ensured.
Manufacturing Integration
Manufacturing Integration, sometimes referred as integrated manufacturing, is a group of electronic component manufacturers in the same industry, but specialize in different sectors, working together to complete a finished product. For example, a precision machining and sheet metal company, an injection molding company and a cable assembly manufacturer working together to complete an electronic product.
Manufacturing integration takes a holistic approach, as opposed to a silo approach, and view the product in its entirety. When an entire product is manufactured under one umbrella organization, communication is more effective and goals are transparent. This allows successful collaboration from each manufacturing partner involved. With effective communication under the umbrella organization, production becomes efficient, allowing room for shortened product development cycles and fast turnaround times. Those OEMs who take advantage of integrated manufacturing services often enjoy a head-start to its competitors.
In summary, as OEM customers become more demanding, we’ll see more quality offshore electronic manufacturers evolving from traditional low-cost manufacturing organizations to becoming highly integrated solution providers that provide end-to-end value-added services to enhance OEM customer satisfaction.