Choosing an Electro-Mechanical Assembly Provider

Managing suppliers can be a complicated process, and is typically delegated to an entire department in large companies. While cost is clearly an important criteria for finding the right raw materials providers, in order to develop the best working relationship and ensure that you never have a lack of materials for your production line, you will want to consider a few more factors. When trying to identify the best electro-mechanical assemblies provider, there are a few things you will need to take into account.

1. Will the provider need to rely on subcontractors if they lack internal assembly capabilities?

While it may not seem like it would make much difference whether your assembly provider manufactures all of the assemblies you source from them in house, or if they hire a third party manufacturer, this could actually lead to a lot of problems later on

Even though the end product may be exactly what you are looking for, and the price may not change, it can still complicate the situation just because another party has to be coordinated to meet your needs. This can take time and effort in order to get things right. Additionally, if you have a problem with the externally sourced parts, you may have a much harder time getting in touch with a separate customer service provider in order to get the issue resolved. If your provider does rely on subcontractors for some services, it is a good idea to ask them how they would resolve such a situation.

2. What are their capabilities?

You want to be sure that the provider is able to handle your specific needs, especially because many electro-mechanical services offer a wide range of services. Also, knowing the full scope of what they are able to do not only tells you if they can solve your problems now, it lets you know if they will be able to handle future needs as well. By finding a provider that has all the capabilities you could ever need, you avoid having to find new suppliers in the future.

3. What certifications do they have?

Most companies advertise any certifications in order to build credibility with their customers. Here is the breakdown of the certifications, and what they mean the company can do for you, so be sure to ask if they are certified and what certifications they carry:

  • IPC-A-610 – This is the most widely used certification for electronics assembly world-wide; it means that the company meets the industry-accepted criteria for electrical assembly workmanship.
  • ISO 9001 – This certification states that the company has demonstrated the ability to provide a product that not only consistently meets the customer’s needs and regulatory requirements, but also is a company that aims for continuous improvements towards higher customer satisfaction ratings.
  • J-STD-001 – Recognized world-wide, this certificate is the only one that covers soldering processes and materials, which contains criteria for methods, materials, and a verification process that tests the quality of soldered interconnections and assemblies.
4. Where are they located?

Location is definitely something you will want to take into consideration; because the supplier’s nearness is directly associated with cost. If a company is farther away it will be more costly when you need to travel to meet with your supplier, as well as the standard shipment of raw materials and finished product. You also need to be certain whether or not you would be willing to travel to a different country or overseas for your provider.

Interview your potential providers to make sure they are the right fit for you. Whether you need help in the early stages with design assistance, where the provider would be responsible for drafting and creating CAD drawings or aiding with concept design, or if they will be procuring parts for you, you want to be sure that the right provider can assist you every step of the way.

For more information, electro-mechanical assembly experts at LoDan Electronics today.