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oem manufacturing

5 Benefits of Using OEM Manufacturing You Need to Know

Are you looking for manufacturing services but aren’t sure where to turn? Electronics companies and more usually outsource their manufacturing to expert facilities that engineer their products with precision. In a computer or smartphone, every component has to be carefully constructed to create a positive end user experience. There isn’t much room for error. Because of this, brands often turn to OEM manufacturing to create their components to get the best possible quality and safety for their products.

OEMs, or original equipment manufacturers, don’t just work in the electronics industry, however. Besides OEM phone manufacturers and PC manufacturers, you can find companies producing all kinds of consumer products. Practically any business can utilize OEM manufacturing and enjoy its many benefits in their field.

Best of all, when you turn to OEM for your manufacturing needs, you get the same quality and reliability that top brands rely on.

Some businesses turn to other types of manufacturing: aftermarket manufacturers or value-added resellers. These alternatives work well in the industries where they excel. But nothing compares to the precision and service offered by top OEM manufacturers, whether your company produces business electronics or consumer products.

If you want to better understand the benefits of using OEM, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the top five benefits of OEM manufacturing.

1. Reliable Quality

Earlier, we mentioned aftermarket manufacturers and value-added resellers as being alternatives to OEM. But neither option provides the same level of customizability or support that OEM offers.

Aftermarket manufacturers make parts that are meant to imitate OEM-manufactured components. This often comes at a cost, as aftermarket parts are often low-quality compared to OEM parts. Aftermarket manufacturers are also limited in the level of customization they can provide to their customers.

Value-added resellers take OEM parts from other manufacturers and enhance them. They do this by adding new features and capabilities with additional components.

While VARs fill an important role in the market, they’re limited by the availability of OEM parts. VARs don’t create entirely new components from scratch, which can hold some businesses back.

As their name implies, original equipment manufacturers specialize in manufacturing brand-new parts based on original designs. This means they’re capable of building necessary components from scratch. It also makes OEM manufacturers well equipped to provide remarkable levels of customization to their customers.

OEM companies work directly with their customers. Because of this, they’re better prepared to produce products that perform exactly as their customers need them to. This often leads to sturdier, longer-lasting parts than aftermarket manufacturers can provide.

Best of all, the best OEM manufacturers are constantly working to improve the quality of their products.

2. Competitive Pricing

One of the highlights of OEM manufacturers in the competitive prices they offer. Despite providing excellent support and service, manufacturing parts with an OEM is well within the budgets of most businesses.

While aftermarket parts are sometimes cheaper, their low prices often come at the cost of both quality and customization. And when you buy OEM parts in bulk, you can save even more. You may even match the prices of top aftermarket manufacturers.

3. Faster Production

You probably wouldn’t expect the production of physical parts to happen very quickly, but with an OEM, production times can be short. OEM manufacturers try to keep designs on hand for as many parts as possible, including older parts no longer in production. This means they can often find blueprints for needed parts immediately and start production right away.

What about when existing designs for necessary components aren’t available? OEMs offer quick turnaround, even when working with original designs from their customers.

OEM companies know they exist within a highly competitive market. They’re careful to make sure their customers are satisfied with their services.

4. Excellent Support

OEM manufacturers work directly with their customers. When you contact your manufacturer, you have the opportunity to speak with an engineer responsible for your product. This means OEM customers have a wide range of technical and engineering support.

OEMs work closely with their customers to ensure each component works exactly as intended. Precise manufacturing is key, so manufacturers go above and beyond to meet customer demands.

Not only that, but OEM companies often offer excellent warranties on their products. If you should ever get a part with any defects, your manufacturer should make it right.

5. Return on Investment

The most important part of any business endeavor is getting a return on your investment. Original equipment manufacturers make it easier for businesses to turn a profit with their products.

OEM parts are specifically designed from the ground up to fit their applications. This means the functionality and lifespan of OEM products are usually excellent. As a result, businesses working with an OEM can expect to save money and reduce downtime in the long run.

Most importantly, your own customers will be far more likely to have a good experience with your products.

Get Started With OEM Manufacturing From Shield Works

And there you have it: the top five benefits of OEM manufacturing, from quality to ROI. As you can see, a business can’t go wrong when choosing to work with any OEM manufacturer.

Not all OEMs are created equal, however. That’s why you should seek out the best, whether you need OEM barrel manufacturing or are looking for a great OEM PC manufacturer.

Whatever your OEM needs, Shield Works has your business covered with some of the best features and services in the industry. Contact us today, and let’s start taking your business to the next level.

product assembly

Pros and Cons of Product Assembly Lines

Did you know that the assembly line has been around for centuries? It is technically an age-old method that is so effective we still implement its uses in the year 2021. Product assembly consists of a line of workers, each with a designated job, to ensure that a product’s parts secure correctly before going out on the market.

These products could be anything from ketchup bottles to your newest technological gadget. If you are a business that makes mass-produced items, you should consider an assembly.

But is it worth it for your company? If you want to know the answer to that question, keep reading our guide for the pros and cons of product assembly in China. 

Pro: Mass Production

Chinese assembly lines produce nearly 50% of the world’s goods and products. Mass production was one of the leading factors that brought China into industrialization in the first place. It is one of the main pros of product assembly.

Let’s say your company produces a few hundred, maybe one-thousand, products a month. By choosing Chinese assembly services, you and double, even quadruple that amount per month.

Your product numbers would soar. You would be able to meet your client’s needs more efficiently. 

Pro: Improved Profit

Your numbers would increase dramatically with an assembly team from China. These professionals would ensure that you receive mass amounts of your product as soon as possible.

That way, you can keep up steady production and re-stocking methods. The more product you have on the shelves, the more sales you will likely receive. Down the road, assembly lines will save you money while increasing your profits. 

Pro: Product Uniformity

When a product is popular, you want every piece to look like the last. People do not buy things like new technology for their uniqueness.

Many want items like that because they enjoy the design and how they look. If you create your product on your own or with a small team, there is no guarantee that every item will be the same.

However, with an assembly line, you can count on uniformity. That will save you the headache from angry client calls complaining about the aesthetic state of their product. 

Pro: Upgrading Benefits

If you compared product assembly from decades ago to where we are now in 2021, you wouldn’t recognize anything. That is because assembly lines benefit from upgrades.

Manufacturing teams constantly employ things like new systems or materials to improve efficiency over time. With every upgrade, the process improves. So, you don’t have to worry about time issues when you put in an order request. 

Pro: High-Quality Products

With Shield Works Assembly lines, we implement a quality-first approach. That means we have methods to ensure your products are of the highest grade possible.

Nowadays, most assembly lines hire quality inspectors stationed at the end of the manufacturing process. These professionals check the final products for issues like defects and deformations.

They also ensure the products look alike, so everything you order is identical. With our quality control at hand, we can identify any major flaws before shipping your products to you.

If there is something wrong, we will fix each item. That way, you don’t have to worry about receiving anything less than perfect. 

Con: Labor Issues

Assembly lines provide monotonous work for employees. As a result, it is hard to find people who want to work a job like this for eight or more hours. When people work for product assembly, they essentially stand in one place and perform one task all day.

That task could be something as simple as ensuring a machine screws a top on straight. On top of this, the buildings for product assembly present dangerous worker conditions.

Many people experience severe injuries and maiming due to machines. They can also suffer from health issues if there is dust, dirt, or mold present. That’s why it’s critical to choose a company that promises a safe and comfortable working environment.

Con: High Start-up Costs

You will spend a decent amount of money at the beginning of your product assembly venture. Sure, they do help you make more money.

But to begin with mass manufacturing, be ready to pay for start-up costs, employee labor, and factory space.

Of course, this is true of everything you begin in business. Keep in mind that everything in business takes money to make money! 

Con: Requires Strategic Thought

Never decide on something without giving it any strategic thought. That will lead to complications down the road. When it comes to OEM manufacturers in China, you have quite a few things to consider.

You want to think about things, like what materials to use for your product. You will also have to consider the methods the team implements and even the shape of the assembly line. For instance, some people prefer a u-shaped line because it adds to the manufacturing efficiency. 

Hire Product Assembly Services in China

As you can tell, there are several pros and cons of employing product assembly in China. However, the pros do outweigh the cons because you get more products on a speedier schedule.

Your company will boom once you hire a product assembly service.

We hope this article helps you make an informed decision for your company. If you require assembly services, then look no further than the China team at Shield Works.

Feel free to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions and get you started with OEM assembly today. 

contract manufacturing

Is It Difficult to Set up Contract Manufacturing?

In 2018, the global Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) was valued at $92.42 billion. Business is booming, and more companies than ever are now using contract manufacturing. 

So, what is it, and is it right for you? 

Let’s find out.

What Is Contract Manufacturing?

Businesses that use contract manufacturing hire other companies to produce their products for them. This provides smaller businesses with a significant advantage.

They can sell their products on a large scale without needing the assets required to run a large warehouse or factory.

It’s the dream of any entrepreneur or business owner: Your product will be manufactured swiftly and sold in vast quantities by a contract manufacturer.

This process can save time and money, all while increasing the reach of your business. A contract manufacturer can be based anywhere, but China and the U.S provide some of the most popular services. 

The Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from contract manufacturing. Here are just a few of the ways it can help you:

The Hiring of Service or Labor

With contract manufacturing, it’s also possible to subcontract labor. For example, if you’re a smaller company, you might not have enough employees to make your production process run smoothly.

In these cases, you can outsource. This method is popular with many large-scale manufacturers, especially as you’ll be able to select manufacturers who are experts in your specific field.

You Gain an Operational Advantage

If the demand for a specific product is high, and a contract manufacturer can provide the capacity to meet this demand, you’ll generate more profit.

In some cases, you’ll also be able to work with contract manufacturers if you’re looking to pilot a new product. They’ll be able to test the market for you before you launch into large-scale manufacturing, saving you time and resources.

Flexibility

This is one of the most significant benefits of contract manufacturing. They’ll have the resources, time, and manpower to adapt to the specific needs of your product.

This means it can often get to the market quicker than you can achieve by working in-house.

You’ll also find that many suppliers offer a range of services. These can include warehousing and 3PL services, quality inspection and testing, manufacturing, order consolidation, assembly, IP servicing, and more.

If you outsource and select the appropriate supplier, the expansion opportunities are vast. Your customers will also be satisfied with more resources.

CM’s can provide high-quality testing and assembly, so your products are guaranteed to be safe and fully functional. 

You Can Enter Different Markets

As a merchant, it can sometimes be hard to trade and perform business in other countries.

When you outsource and provide contracts to manufacturers in different countries, you’ll find it much easier to sell your products outside your national market. 

It can also be cheaper to enter other markets through contract manufacturing, so you’ll give yourself the best chance to generate more profit.

You Can Dedicate More Time to Selling

Marketing is an important business. Suppose you can’t target potential consumers effectively. In that case, the quality of your products won’t matter because you won’t be reaping the rewards.

If you use contract marketing, you’ll be allowing other people to handle the practical side of your business while you focus on selling. As a result, you’ll be able to strike a better balance and give yourself a fighting chance in the market.

High-Quality and Low-Cost

Your products will be safe in the hands of professionals who can use their expertise to maximize the quality of your products. Many contract manufacturers are experts in production activities.

They can often perform this work to a higher standard than most businesses who choose not to outsource.

What Are the Disadvantages?

The benefits of contract manufacturing are substantial, but the process doesn’t come without its disadvantages. These can include the following:

Lack of Control

You’ll lose control over your production activities. If you have solid and existing production skills, you might choose not to outsource. If you’d prefer to hand-pick your employees yourself, this may also be a problem.

Although you’ll be able to select the manufacturer yourself, you won’t be able to choose individually or approve the people who manage your products. Your CM will take care of this for you. 

Potential Delivery Delays

Contract manufacturers work on a colossal scale. Sometimes, due to a heavy workload, they may not produce products on time, and your customers could experience some delays.

Potential Outsourcing Problems

If you choose to outsource abroad, you could be interacting with people who speak different languages and live in different time zones. If you’re impatient, communication could become stressful for all parties involved. Make sure you’re happy with who you’re outsourcing to.

What channels will you use to communicate? Are you happy to speak with manufacturers in different time zones, even if it’s not during your business hours? These are all critical questions to consider.  

Are You Ready to Get Started With Contract Manufacturing?

We hope that having read this blog post you now have a clearer idea of why you need contract manufacturing.

If you’re looking to hire a labor force, access better equipment and facilities, and/or have goods built, contract manufacturing could be a perfect solution. 

You’ll also be able to negate start-up costs, improve product quality, concentrate on your brand and keep up with seasonal demand. 

Contract manufacturers like Shield Works offer companies an array of different services and high levels of expertise. So if you’re looking for a reliable manufacturer and want to move your production to China, contact Shield Works today for more information.

contract manufacturing

All About Contract Manufacturing in China: 5 Tips

It’s no secret that outsourcing your manufacturing obligations can save you plenty of time and money. In fact, China is one of the most popular destinations to do so.

But, not every entrepreneur knows everything they should about contract manufacturing in China. So, we’ve put together a guide with all the details you should keep in mind.

Let’s get started.

1. You Need to Find a Reliable Supplier

As you might guess, you’ll need to find a reputable supplier before you can move forward with your manufacturing obligations. Although this responsibility can seem overwhelming at first, is not as difficult as you might anticipate.

In general, you’ll want to consider the following factors before you make your decision:

  • The size of the factory
  • The location
  • Total production capacity
  • Exclusivity

To elaborate on this last point, you should decide whether or not you want your supplier to exclusively manufacture for your business during the production process. Once you’ve figured out the necessary criteria, you can begin your search.

Keep in mind that either you or a dedicated professional must visit the actual facility before production begins. This is to ensure that the facility meets all your needs and that you aren’t being misled.

2. You Must Register Your IP

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are unaware of the fact that they need to register their intellectual property in China. This means that you should pursue any necessary patents, trademarks, or copyrights.

Foregoing this obligation can easily become a significant obstacle for your production process if another entity in China decides to register your IP under their name.

Not only will this prevent you from manufacturing a product, but you could also run into legal issues for infringing upon their copyright. Due to the murkiness of international law, it can be highly difficult to prove that you were the original creator and owner of a particular IP.

Even after you have registered your IP in China and found a reputable manufacturer, there is one extra step you need to take.

You must have your manufacturer sign a nondisclosure, non-use, non-circumvention (NNN) agreement in order to further protect your rights. Anyone who attempts to avoid this obligation is someone that you should never work with.

3. Prioritize Quality Control

Ideally, you would be able to provide your manufacturer with the necessary information and then receive a high-quality product. But, this isn’t always how things turn out.

It’s not uncommon for you to encounter quality issues while outsourcing your production overseas. Fortunately, though, this is often a result of misdirection that can be resolved through communication.

The best way to accomplish this is to have a third party regularly conduct QC checks during the production process. This will allow you to catch issues as quickly as possible and then take steps to remedy them.

Failure to do so could easily result in dissatisfied customers, delayed deadlines, etc. Put simply, brushing off your quality control obligation comes with a strong risk of hurting your brand’s image.

4. Preserve Approved Samples

It’s not abnormal for different batches of products to have inconsistencies between them. To elaborate, the first few rounds of Chinese contract manufacturing may meet your standards while subsequent batches may fall short.

To help keep everything on track, it’s essential that you preserve copies of approved samples. This will give your manufacturer a solid reference that they can strive to duplicate in the future.

Additionally, you can use an approved sample as an index of whether or not a current batch meets your standards. If it doesn’t, your manufacturer is obligated to make changes.

But, these can take a significant amount of time to complete. This also means your manufacturer may not be able to adhere to your time constraints.

So, it’s in your best interest to have multiple high-quality samples that your manufacturer can use in order to streamline the production process. In the event that your standards change, you should obtain new samples as quickly as possible.

5. Establish an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Agreement

For those who are unfamiliar with this type of document, this is an agreement between you and your manufacturer that aims to remove any form of ambiguity in your relationship.

This means that you need to elaborate upon any minute details that could cause complications in the future. In practice, you’ll find yourself having to clearly define the color you want your product to be, the projected timeline, etc.

In fact, colors are defined by Pantone number as opposed to terms like ‘red’ or ‘blue.’

Other factors to consider include:

  • Ownership of tooling
  • Dispute resolution
  • Payment terms
  • Quality requirements
  • Certification

The same can be said about product weights and dimensions. In addition to all of this, you’ll need to ensure that this agreement is enforceable in China and not just the United States.

This often means working with a Chinese legal professional to help you navigate the nuances of Chinese law. Additionally, it’s required that you write the document in Chinese.

Otherwise, your manufacturer could break all of your guidelines and suffer no consequences.

Contract Manufacturing In China Can Be Game-Changing

So, it’s essential that you keep the above information in mind. From here, you’ll understand everything you should about contract manufacturing and can then make the most of this opportunity.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to reach out to us today and see how we can help.

warehousing in China

The Benefits of 3PL and Warehousing in China

Retailers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, save money, and do whatever they can to ensure their company runs smoothly. Doing one thing that can meet all three things can be difficult, but 3PL services and warehousing in China can give you what you need. 

Are you familiar with the term 3PL? Have you thought about the benefits of managing warehousing services overseas? Let us teach you what you need to know about both.

Keep reading to learn more about 3PL and how warehousing in China can benefit your business. 

What Is 3PL?

Have you ever thought about what it takes to for a product to get from a warehouse to the retailer’s store?

Ecommerce logistics, inventory management, warehousing, packaging, freight forwarding, and fulfillment all have to work together in order to bring customers and sellers their much-needed products. Managing all of that on your own can get costly and time-consuming. 

3PL is an abbreviation of the term third-party logistics, and utilizing 3PL services allows savvy business owners to outsource the important tasks we just mentioned. 

3PL allows you to outsource operational logistics. This can include warehousing, production, delivery, and more. Overall, it allows you to focus on other parts of your business. 

Many people associate 3PL with e-commerce retailers, but the truth is that plenty of companies have been outsourcing the manufacturing and shipping of their products for decades. 

5 Major Benefits of Warehousing in China 

If the idea of using 3PL services excites you, it’s worth considering warehousing in China. 

Warehousing is a big part of 3PL services, and it’s important to note that warehousing goes far beyond just storing items in one place. Comprehensive services can cover order fulfillment, inventory control, contract warehousing, cross-docking, transport, and transloading. 

Warehousing in China comes with its own unique set of benefits. Curious about why so many companies are deciding to go with warehousing companies in China? After you learn how they can benefit your company, you’ll wonder why you haven’t started using their services sooner. 

1. Work Efficiently

As we’ve mentioned, warehousing requires many different services: Managing inventory, fulfillment, transportation, and other essential things. It’s a lot of different and equally important services to manage, and doing it on your own can be difficult. 

When you outsource your warehousing services, you’re able to have one company manage everything. Instead of having to juggle a lot of different services, you’ll be able to have one company manage everything.

This doesn’t just make your workday easier. It can also help make things more efficient. Having all of your warehousing work handled by one provider means that one provider is also managing your paperwork, orders, and other important documentation. 

2. Save Money

We just talked about how much time it takes to effectively manage warehousing services for businesses. The time cost is something important to account for, but the actual monetary cost can even more expensive. 

Paying for warehousing services in the US can be very expensive. On top of thinking about the base cost of their services, you also have to think about how many people you’ll need on your own staff to help manage who you’re outsourcing to. 

The strong Chinese economy is built around manufacturing and shipping. Services in China are generally much less expensive than services in America, and that’s especially true when it comes to shipping and warehousing. You simply can’t beat the costs. 

3. Scale Effectively 

One of the most difficult things about effectively growing a business is scalability. You want to make the right decisions around growth, but there’s a lot of risks around costs when you’re a retailer.

Growing your business when you’re a retailer will require buying and selling more products. Having a glut of leftover products can take up space in your store and could cost you a lot of money. 

When you outsource warehousing, you’ll have a partner that can help you with inventory control. They can help ensure that you scale effectively and efficiently and make it less expensive for you to produce more products. 

4. Tap Into Company Connections

Are you thinking about using a different manufacturer to produce your products? Do you want to use a new shipping company? Are you thinking about selling your products in China or in other markets? 

Finding the right companies to work with can be difficult. However, the right warehousing provider can get you in touch with the right people. 

Warehousing companies work with a lot of different businesses. If you want to break into new markets or try new services, your warehousing company could help get you the connections you’re looking for. 

Instead of having to go off of anonymous reviews, you’ll be able to work with companies your warehousing provider trusts. This can be especially helpful if you’re thinking about working with other Chinese providers. They’ll understand the local markets better than you and can give you invaluable insight into the inner workings of some businesses. 

5. Benefit From Their Expertise 

If you’re focused on growing your company, you can’t spend your time worrying about logistics around warehousing. Instead of having to focus on menial tasks, let a true expert handle your warehousing needs.

Chinese warehousing services have helped small retailers and global conglomerates grow their businesses effectively. They can focus on the important warehousing work, and you can spend your time and energy on other matters. 

Start Warehousing the Right Way

Warehousing in China can benefit business owners of any size. If you want to scale your business efficiently, save time and money, and make new business connections, it’s time to find the right company to work with.

Regardless of what 3PL services you need, we’re ready to help. Be sure to contact us today so we can start thinking about the best ways to help your business grow. 

British Business Awards 2020 Finalist Announcement

The C2W Group has been selected as a finalist in the British Business Awards 2020 in the category of Best British Business, being judged out of dozens of incredible companies to be one of the Top 5 British Companies in China!

This great accomplishment is testament to our incredible staff, to our C2W family.

The winner will be announced at a Gala Ceremony in Shanghai on 29th October after the next stage of judging. The Top 5 finalists for Best British Business include:

British Company of the Year Award

年度英国企业奖

Sponsored by SpiraxSarco 由斯派莎克赞助

  • C2W Group 珠海中西电子科技有限公司
  • Halma 英国豪迈集团
  • Smiths Group 史密斯集团
  • Walgreens Boots Alliance 沃博联
  • Wood 伍德

BBA website:

EN: http://www.britishbusinessawards.cn/british-business-awards-2020-finalists-announced/

WeChat: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/KjcVRqDyqJO9_B0eSUYWyQ