A Complete Guide to Choosing a Production Assembler

By Seline Chen | 15th August 2022

Did you know that 8% of startups fail due to poor product production? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve poured your heart and soul into designing and creating a product that you hope will be a big hit.

But even the best-designed products need to be manufactured properly in order to bring them to market, which is why finding the right production assembler is so important.

You could also outsource to an offshore manufacturer, which is always a great idea, however, finding the right production assembler is a critical step in your product’s lifecycle that you’ll need to ensure you’re paying special attention to.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on choosing a production assembler so that you’re able to reduce and control operating costs while improving the focus on core your business competencies.

What Is Production Assembly?

Before choosing the right product assembly services, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. So, what is production assembly and how does it relate to your business?

Production assembly is a process that involves putting together products from individual components. This can be done by hand or using machinery, and it often requires the use of tools and other machines.

The assembly process can vary depending on the product being made, but it typically involves several steps, such as installing or attaching parts, testing the fit and function of the product, and packaging the finished product.

Production assembly is a critical step in the manufacturing process, and it is often one of the most labor-intensive steps as well. As a result, it is important to carefully plan and execute the assembly process to ensure that products are made correctly and efficiently.

Why Hire a Production Assembler

You might be wondering why you should hire a production assembler. Why not just do it yourself with a local business or even let a member of your team do it? After all, it can’t be that difficult, right? Not so fast there.

There are a number of reasons why you should hire a professional production assembler. First, they have the experience and knowledge to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

And more importantly, they have the right tools and equipment to get the job done safely and correctly. They can also provide you with a warranty on their workmanship. And, in today’s day and age, that’s worth more than its weight in gold.

Finally, they will save you time and money in the long run. After all, you wouldn’t outsource your marketing work to a software developer. So why not entrust an experienced production assembly professional to help you with that process?

How Does Production Assembly Work

In short, a production assembler is usually part of a package deal that includes in-house customized precision assembly activities. However, this simply means they take care of all the production assembly for your business. This means that they will be responsible for putting together products, components, or parts in the most efficient way possible.

This could include anything from adding bubble wrap to the boxes or testing circuits. It truly all depends on what you need.

When it comes down to it, production assemblers are an important part of any business that relies on them to get products out the door and to customers as quickly as possible.

In order to be successful, production assembly teams need to be able to work quickly and efficiently while still ensuring that the final product is up to the company’s standards.

The process in general typically works by the types of assembly needed. For example, at Shield Works Precision Manufacturing, we offer:

Mechanical Assembly Capabilities: This includes hardware assembly such as any tapping and drilling that needs to occur to get your product out
General Product Assembly: From wood and metal to plastic and cardboard packaging, this service is designed for pretty much any product
Electrical Assembly Capabilities: This service is designed more for those whose production assembly requires things like circuit testing or lifecycle testing
Packaging Services: From adding bubble wrap, binding, and stuffing to shrink wrapping anything that needs to be shrink wrapped, this is usually the final step before shipment

What we’re really trying to say is that there are a variety of different production assembly services out there and the process looks different for each one.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Production

The globalization of the business world has led to a new era of outsourcing, and production assembly is one area that has seen a lot of growth in recent years.

There are several reasons why businesses choose to outsource this type of work, including cost savings, access to skilled labor, and increased efficiency.

Cost savings is often the primary motivator for companies that outsource production assembly. By moving production to a country with lower wages, businesses can reduce their overall costs.

This can be especially beneficial for companies that have high-volume or complex production needs. In addition, outsourcing can help businesses minimize the impact of fluctuating currency values, which is particularly relevant in today’s markets.

Access to skilled labor is another key advantage of outsourcing production assembly. In many cases, businesses that outsource their assembly work benefit from being able to tap into a larger pool of workers.

This can be especially helpful for businesses that have specific skill requirements for their assembly needs.

Additionally, outsourcing allows businesses to take advantage of specialized assembly services that might not be available in their home country.

Increased efficiency is another common reason why businesses choose to outsource production assembly. By working with a company that specializes in this type of work, businesses can often get their products assembled more quickly and efficiently.

How to Choose the Right Production Assembler for Your Business

You need a production assembler to help you put your product together. But with all of the different options out there, how do you know which one is right for your business? Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

Consider the Size of Your Business

The size of your business is an important consideration when choosing a production assembler. If you have a small business, you may not need the same level of automation that a large business requires.

For example, a small business might be able to get by with a manual assembly line, while a large business would need to invest in an automated assembly line. Consider the scale of your operations and choose a production assembler that can meet your needs.

Look at Experience

When you’re looking for a production assembler for your business, it’s important to consider experience. Look for someone who has worked in a similar industry and who has the skills necessary to put your products together quickly and efficiently.

It’s also important to find someone who is familiar with the assembly process and who can work independently. Furthermore, you’ll want to choose someone who is reliable and who will show up on time for each shift.

Look for someone who has a strong work ethic and who is detail-oriented. With the right production assembler on your team, you’ll be able to increase efficiency and improve your bottom line.

Get a Sense of Customer Service

Choosing a production assembler is a long-term commitment. Therefore, you want to enjoy the relationship! How responsive are they when you have questions or problems? How easy is it to get in touch with someone when you need them?

The better their customer service, the easier it will be to work with them on an ongoing basis.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Manufacturer

Before you choose a manufacturer, there are a few things you should keep in mind outside of the three points mentioned above.

First, consider the type of product you’re looking to have manufactured. Some manufacturers specialize in certain types of products, so it’s important to find one that has experience with the type of product you’re looking for.

Additionally, take into account the number of products you need. Some manufacturers have minimum order requirements, so be sure to find one that can accommodate your needs.

And, don’t forget to factor in the cost! You’ll want to find a manufacturer that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.

Prefer to see things listed out easily for you to scan when choosing a manufacturer? When it comes down to it, here are three easy ways to start looking at potential production assembly partners:

Cost: Obviously, the cost is a major consideration when choosing a manufacturer. You’ll need to get quotes from several different companies and compare prices. It’s also important to consider other costs, such as shipping and taxes.
Quality: Another important factor to consider is quality. You’ll want to make sure that the products you’re getting from the manufacturer are of the highest quality. Be sure to ask for samples before making a final decision.
Delivery Time: This ties into the number of products you need as you’ll have to consider how long it will take for the products to be delivered. If you need them quickly, you’ll need to find a manufacturer that can meet your timeline.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when choosing a manufacturer. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you’re making the best decision for your business.

Additional Tips for Choosing a Manufacturer

We hope we’ve helped you understand how important it is to do your research when you’re looking for a manufacturer. If you’re still having trouble then here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Check out the facility. Is it clean and well-organized? This is a good sign that the manufacturer takes pride in their work.
Ask about lead times. How long will it take for your order to be fulfilled? You don’t want to be left waiting months for your product.
Get quotes from multiple manufacturers. This will give you a better idea of who is offering the best value for your money.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to find a manufacturer that meets your needs and expectations. However, be sure that they’re also helping you improve your bottom line.

Ultimately, we urge you to look for a company that is able to provide you with rapid, clear, and transparent communications throughout production along with full in-house quality control to internationally recognized standards.

If that’s what you’re looking for then we suggest you…

Consider Product Assembly Services With Shield Works

All in all, we’ve seen that the decision to outsource production assembly is often driven by the need to reduce costs. However, there are other benefits that can be achieved by outsourcing this activity.

From the ability to free up internal resources that can be better used elsewhere to accessing specialized expertise and equipment that would otherwise be unavailable, outsourcing production assembly is a great idea.

And, the benefits of choosing a production assembler in China are even more numerous, at least when you work with Shield Works Precision Manufacturing.

You’re able to enjoy the benefits of working with a 100% British team while still enjoying the ease and cost of being able to eliminate third-party QC man-day costs and strip away the layers from your supply chain.

Looking to launch a new product with assembly requirements or relocate your assembly from an existing China-based assembly house? Get in touch today!