Key Factors in Upgrading Your Electro-Mechanical Assembly

When it’s time to upgrade your product’s electro-mechanical assembly,
there are several factors to consider. During the proposal process, you
will want your contract manufacturer to help you maintain costs while
meeting the specific requirements of the project. Their analysis should
include any design changes as well as a process flow, testing, timing and
pricing.

Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

  1. Design and Revision
    The technology and performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, including
    SMT and PCB construction are changing rapidly and your product’s
    components should regularly be evaluated to maintain optimum quality and
    cost. Your manufacturing partner should be able to help you negotiate this
    process. Their staff of engineers will be able to assess and evaluate yo
    current product and make recommendations. They can help you modify an
    existing design and understand the benefits and drawbacks of different
    production methods at your disposal.
  2. Software Development
    For your product to succeed, it needs both the best hardware and the best
    software. An experienced electro-mechanical assembly partner will have
    engineers on staff to handle your software needs. As the world moves to
    the “Internet of Things” more electro-mechanical products are being
    designed with SMART technology. If you think your product will benefit
    from this capability, build it in now, while you are in the re-design
    process.
  3. Testing For The Real World
    Electronics endure a lot of use. They need to be built with that usage in
    mind, and tested to be sure they will do the job they’ve been designed to
    do. During this phase, the manufacturing partner will check for
    durability, environmental factors and structural integrity. Many OEMs fail
    to build in time for the testing phase, but from an engineering
    perspective, it is mission critical. A great design concept is just that
    until it is tested and proven to meet the requirements of the project.
  4. Timing and Tracking
    Timing is everything. If you are relying on a part to be delivered within
    a specific time frame, make sure these requirements are fully baked into
    your final product assembly. Using today’s modern component tracking
    processes like RFID tags and barcodes, your manufacturing partner can
    monitor every part so that only legitimate parts are used and the product
    avoids specification drift. Having this level of oversight can ensure that
    the product you’ve requested remains up to spec.
  5. Logistic and Inventory Support
    In today’ demanding business environment, OEMs need to work with reliable
    manufacturers who have the ability to respond to changing market
    conditions. Delivery schedules must be met, so it’s important to work with
    vendors who can offer JIT (Just-In-Time) inventory support or VMI (Vendor
    Managed Inventory) services. These arrangements help take the risk out of
    buying and storing more inventory than you need at the time.
  6. Support After The Sale
    A good manufacturing partner can handle support and repair services after
    the sale is concluded. They’ll be more familiar with the product, and they
    have an interest in making sure your customers are happy: it enhances
    their reputation and brings more business their way.

If you’re looking for a contract manufacturer to help in developing your
new product, consider Mars International. Whether you need to develop a
brand new electro-mechanical assembly or improve on an existing one, we
have the skills and the knowledge to develop a manufacturing strategy to
meet your quality, performance, cost and delivery needs.