Judging by skyrocketing ISM numbers and overwhelming industry confidence, things are shaping up to make 2014 one of the best years for American manufacturing in a decade, and we all know that means it’s time to step it up. The rapidly expanding “Made in the USA” campaign and an accelerating market demand for agricultural, medical, and military products, insinuate that the upcoming year could be an extremely profitable one for domestic manufacturers, if they play their cards right. A successful 2014 can be theirs for the taking if only OEMs heed this key guiding strategy–call it a “New Years Resolution”: they must ensure their electronics supply chain is one lean machine.
You may ask yourself: What if our company already has an electronics contractor who fits the bill? Well, that’s fine, supposedly, as long as you’re content with being a company that meets the standard instead of setting it, a manufacturer that would opt for the convenience of a familiar, outdated approach rather than one that promises greater efficiency, higher margins, and a better product. If the heart of your mid-market manufacturing firm is the electronics assembly, then securing four healthy quarters in 2014 will be dependent on having a supplier who is the best possible fit for your company.
If you’re serious about taking advantage of 2014’s fertile manufacturing battleground, then you’ll agree that finding the ideal electronics supplier should be your company’s New Year’s resolution. To help you get started, we’ve compiled three things to look for when choosing a new supplier:
- Synergy: An electronics supplier that “gets it” will understand they are your partners and advisors, not just your vendors. You’ll find numerous advanced manufacturers that provide quality printed circuit board assembly, but few that sync up with your firm’s current operations and administrative approach. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding a circuit board supplier that keenly understands your designated market area. Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that your electronics supplier can address your specific industry’s needs. Are you a medical firm in Philadelphia or a military manufacturer near Foxboro? Ensure that your supplier knows how to make electronics specifically for these industries and can deliver to these locations.
- Service: The ideal electronics supplier will have a proven track record of excellence in service. In an industry like contract electronics production, there occasionally will exist overlaps in product lines. If you need a circuit board for heavy agriculture equipment, for instance, you’ll be able to find similar options from different advanced manufacturers. What sets them apart is how well their products are serviced. Does the electronics supplier care enough to run your circuit boards through top-notch inspection and cleaning systems? Does your supplier implement ISO 9001-certified Quality Management into the testing and follow-up of your new electronics? If the answer is no, it’s time to look for a better electronics contractor.
- Shipment: At the end of the day, the rate at which you can get your new product into the hands of your customers is top priority. Electronics companies with the resources and cutting-edge technology to optimize costs will be better equipped to rapidly deliver your finished products to your factory line. Not only should your electronics partner quickly deliver your polished, top-quality printed circuit board assembly, but it should offer post-shipment configuration follow-ups to ensure that your new setup is working without flaw.
If you’re ready to make 2014 the year that your manufacturing firm becomes everything you’ve always known it could be, then it’s time to make your New Year’s Resolution an investment in upgraded electronics assemblies. To get the job done right, you can’t settle for a run-of-the-mill advanced manufacturer. Partner with an experienced team of industry pros.