Posts Tagged ‘Electronics’

Imagine running a highly profitable electronics business that never encounters issues. The money keeps coming in, and customers stay satisfied.

Out of nowhere, your manufacturing partner starts failing to meet your target metrics. Situations like these can lead to extensive downtime.

Not having strong relationships is one of the many reasons why 20% of small businesses fail within the first year. Electronics manufacturer relationships are some of the most important.

Regardless of what electronic products you manufacture, it’s crucial to work to choose the best option for your company. Let’s explore the different ways you can manufacture electronics and how to select the best manufacturing partner for your business.

In-House Manufacturing

This method requires a substantial amount of resources to handle. You’ll need a dedicated facility and sufficient materials to manufacture electronics in-house. In most circumstances, this is impractical for small businesses to pursue.

They often don’t have the capability to handle this obligation. Instead, they outsource to other businesses to manage their manufacturing needs. However, a major benefit of in-house manufacturing is having greater control of the process.

This is especially beneficial when working with sensitive intellectual property.

To clarify, let’s assume that a company wants to start making a product that is unlike anything its industry has seen before. In this case, it might not be a great idea to provide designs and schematics to another manufacturer. The majority of the time, though, this isn’t a concern.

Working With a Third Party

Hiring a third party is the most common way businesses handle manufacturing. They can outsource this entire role to another company and focus on internal business aspects.

It’s best to work with a third party that specializes in electronics manufacturing. Just because a company says it can meet your needs doesn’t mean they understand the nuances of this process.

There are also many shady third-party providers in the market. Do your due diligence so you can avoid getting scammed or receiving low-quality results.

International Manufacturing Services

Many people overlook the benefits of hiring international manufacturing services. Manufacturing products overseas can substantially reduce your costs.

For small companies that don’t have much capital to work with, international options are ideal. China has many amazing opportunities that small businesses can take advantage of. Manufacturers in this country are known to be responsive and professional, and to consistently meet deadlines.

How the Manufacturing Process Works

Before you can begin manufacturing electronics, you’ll need to develop a bill of materials (BOM). This is a document that clearly outlines each component the project will require.

It will also provide resources where you can obtain the necessary components. Manufacturers will calculate their overall costs at this stage, as well.

Afterward, it’s time to design the products. Having multiple designs is imperative in case contingencies arise.

Designs exist in many forms, such as conceptual designs and detailed designs. Conceptual designs aim to develop the product’s overall appearance and layout. It achieves this by determining the arrangement and placement of its components.

Once this process is complete, designers can assess the product’s feasibility. Detailed designs specify materials, components, and processes necessary to create the product. They’re also used to create schematics and engineering drawings.

After production, a device must be extensively tested. These tests aim to determine how well the device performs in certain circumstances. They also establish how much stress the device can handle.

Without sufficient testing, there’s a significant chance issues will arise. For instance, a customer could receive the product and encounter a major defect. In some situations, these can lead to injury or even death.

When a product passes all the required tests, you can move on to distribution. The distribution method you use will depend on your needs, and there’s a handful to choose from. International distribution, physical distribution, and online distribution are the most common.

Finding the Right Solution

In many cases, working with an international manufacturer can meet your needs and minimize costs. When looking for someone to hire, research their past reputation.

There should be no shortage of positive feedback from previous clients. Ask about their pricing structure before making your decision.

It’s common to get what you pay for when working with a manufacturer. Those that offer rock-bottom prices often do so for a reason. This indicates they use local materials or don’t have sufficient experience.

In both scenarios, you’re likely to fall short of your goals. How enthusiastic do they seem about your project? It’s best to find someone who’s passionate about helping you.

Establish when you can expect to hear from them and how they’ll get in touch with you. Time zone differences can often cause issues, so it’s best to figure out how you can communicate with your manufacturer early on.

Red Flags to Avoid

Searching for international manufacturers doesn’t come without risk. There are certain red flags you’ll need to consider while looking.

One of the most prominent is the lack of a brick-and-mortar location. For instance, consider a scenario where you visited a manufacturer’s website, and nothing looks out of the ordinary.

You eventually move forward with hiring them and send them your product designs. However, you failed to notice that the company didn’t list a physical address. It then turns out this business was a shell company that aimed to scam buyers and steal designs.

Another red flag to consider is unresponsiveness. If it takes multiple days for a company to get back to you, this is a sign you should look elsewhere. The last thing you want is to be left in the dark while your project is ongoing.

Manufacture Electronics the Right Way

The tips in this guide will ensure that you choose the best method to manufacture electronics. From here, you’ll exceed your target metrics and take your performance to the next level.

Shield Works Precision Manufacturing has almost two decades of experience in China-based manufacturing. We aim to provide risk-free manufacturing solutions that meet all quality standards. You can learn more about what we have to offer when you schedule a consultation today.