Why outsource electronic assembly?
Many companies, from the single entrepreneur to huge multi-nationals find benefits from subcontracting their
electronic assemblies to specialist suppliers. These benefits include:
- Quality Products:
Specialist assembly companies will have modern equipment to cover everything from surface
mount PCB assembly to cable and wiring. They have the necessary skills and experience
and are able to use the technologies required for a range of totally different products
working with Customers in all sectors of industry.
- Faster Assembly:
Your PCBs, wiring looms and electro-mechanical parts are delivered as complete assemblies
or sub-assemblies,ready to fit into your product. This results in a faster and smoother
final assembly process.
- Reduced Costs:
By outsourcing your electronic assemblies you reduce the need for highly skilled staff
and expensive capital equipment. Your overheads dramatically reduce because you can
switch your sub-contractor on or off according to your workloads. You will also be able
to make better use of your valuable floor-space.
- Easier Budgets:
Outsourcing fixes the cost of an electronic assembly, rather than the variable cost of
in-house manufacture.
This leaves the customer free to concentrate on their own core expertise; and the improved
efficiency will generate higher profit margins.
What are the pitfalls of outsourcing,and how can I avoid them?
The usual concerns when outsourcing anything relate to the supplier's ability to deliver quality product on time and on budget. This is true for selection of any supplier, and can be adressed by:
- Quality Assured Suppliers:
All reputable suppliers should have ISO9000 as a minimum, but
those that pay extra attention to the quality of their work may
have additional quality registrations, such as AS9100 (Aerospace).
Almec EAS is registered to both ISO9000 and AS9100.
- Look for Established Companies:
Companies that have been in business for years are likely to
have managed this for a reason. There may be nothing wrong with less
experienced companies (we all have to start somewhere) but using an
established firm can help to reduce your risk.
Almec EAS have been providing the highest levels of
service to our customers since 1976.
- Location, Location, Location:
Buying from the far east has the potential to save money, but it
is difficult to police. Many companies are now looking for UK suppliers
because their far-eastern suppliers could not sustain the necessary
levels of quality or price. Some Customers require small to medium batches,
not 1000's off. Few Customer’s can wait up to 12 weeks before their product
arrives at the docks and then it is usual to hire an expert company to handle
the customs paperwork and finally make the delivery.
When it eventually arrives there are no guarantees that there won’t be any
problems and who has the time to send it back and wait another 12 weeks!
Almec EAS offers a fast and reliable service.
Customers can pop in anytime, and with our modern equipment you
may well be surprised at how competitive we are.
- Pay them a visit:
Don't just rely on pretty pictures on a website or voices on a telephone.
The best suppliers welcome visits from clients as an opportunity to show
off their facility and capabilities.
Almec EAS hope you will visit our modern facility.
- Build a relationship:
There are a lot of subcontractors out there; the difficulty is selecting
the one that's right for you. Once you find a good match,
build a long-lasting relationship - it will benefit you both!
Many of Almec's client base have been with us for
many years - and keep coming back.
- Beware the bargain quote:
Be very wary of quotes that are very much lower than the rest - if it's too good
to be true there might be catch!
Almec EAS use only quality components and best
practices in manufacturing product for our customers.
