When was the last time you evaluated the services your electronics contract manufacturer is offering? Likely, as long as your orders are being processed and you haven’t had too many product complaints, you are content to believe they are your best option. However, it is relatively easy for a contract electronics manufacturer (CEM) to skate by doing a “good enough” job, and it is you, the business owner, who pays the price.
You should never settle for “good enough”: in order to succeed, your company must efficiently manage costs and keep your customers happy. Choosing the right partner is crucial in meeting these goals. With products being introduced to the market faster and in higher numbers than ever, businesses and consumers have enough options available to be demanding about quality. How can you be sure your contract partner is helping you meet your goals? And with so many options to choose from, how do you know you’ve chosen the best?
Photo: Dave Jones, Flickr Creative Commons
When was the last time you evaluated the services your electronics contract manufacturer is offering? Likely, as long as your orders are being processed and you haven’t had too many product complaints, you are content to believe they are your best option. However, it is relatively easy for a contract electronics manufacturer (CEM) to skate by doing a “good enough” job, and it is you, the business owner, who pays the price.
You should never settle for “good enough”: in order to succeed, your company must efficiently manage costs and keep your customers happy. Choosing the right partner is crucial in meeting these goals. With products being introduced to the market faster and in higher numbers than ever, businesses and consumers have enough options available to be demanding about quality. How can you be sure your contract partner is helping you meet your goals? And with so many options to choose from, how do you know you’ve chosen the best?
Qualities to Consider in a Contract Electronic Manufacturer
- Does the CEM help improve your board designs?
How much assistance does your manufacturing service offer when it comes to reviewing your designs and your product’s functionality? If your designs are flawed or don’t meet the customer’s requirements, you’re headed for trouble. Your contracts manufacturer should always be looking for ways to make your product faster and more efficient as well as more cost-effective. With our value-added engineering, Telan Corporation analyzes your product from electrical circuitry and mechanical specifications to bill of materials. We help you eliminate superfluous parts to streamline your product, boost its efficiency, and reduce overall costs. We also offer prototype testing to uncover flaws or defects that were hidden during the design stage and recommend appropriate corrections.
- Do they work with quality suppliers?
In order to meet design and customer specifications, your boards need to consist of the highest quality components that meet your individual demands. Some contract electronic manufacturers work with limited suppliers, restricting your access to specific parts. Others don’t properly vet their suppliers, putting you at risk for counterfeit parts that will harm both your product and your company’s reputation. This is a common problem in overseas manufacturing and one of the many reasons companies are looking to U.S. based electronics contract manufacturers. Counterfeits can also appear in American companies who are more interested in cost than quality. Choosing a CEM because they are the lowest bidder may turn out to be a costly mistake in the form of substandard products. Telan Corporation has long-term relationships with our certified affiliates, ensuring our partners receive only the highest quality components.
- Does the CEM implement cost-saving measures?
A CEM should always be looking for ways to make the manufacturing process more cost-effective for their clients. This includes value-added engineering services and streamlining production with the most effective equipment, as well as offering savings on components. Small companies that try to manufacturer in-house often face higher component costs because they cannot by in bulk. By partnering with an experienced contract electronics manufacturer, you can benefit from the savings they receive for purchasing materials in high volumes.
- Does the contract electronics manufacturer maintain industry standards?
For peace of mind, you want to be sure your CEM is in compliance with the most current and up-to-date industry regulations. Many overseas manufacturers have lower standards or fail completely to comply with industry standards. This leads to faulty or even dangerous products. We adhere to UL and IPC-610D workmanship standards, ensuring your product will meet the highest industry standards of quality.
- Do they utilize advanced technologies?
Is your manufacturing partner using the latest technologies, machinery and production methods? Being behind the curve means your product won’t be able to keep up with the competition and will be below standard. In addition, newer equipment often increases manufacturing speed, getting your product to the market faster and at less cost.
- Is the CEM backed by decades of experience?
In the wake of the manufacturing boom of the 90s, new companies are constantly being introduced to the market. In an effort to appear competitive, these newcomers often make promises they can’t keep, leaving you in the dark until late shipments and faulty products begin to pile up. Consumers don’t care about subpar third party contractors: your name is on the product, and that is who they will hold accountable. With your reputation on the line, you want a partner with experience and a proven track record. With over 35 years of industry experience, you can depend on Telan Corporation for fast, on-time delivery of any size run; the highest quality of workmanship; and competitive pricing.
Telan Corporation: Contract Electronics Manufacturer Services You Can Trust
If you are looking for an experienced contract electronics manufacturer partner, or your current CEM isn't providing the quality and standard of services you need, Telan Corporation has the experience, equipment, and resources necessary to produce the highest quality product for you.
If you would like more information on how Telan Corporation can benefit your company, call today and speak to Shawn Goodwin, our Director of Operations and Purchasing.
