Knowing how best to keep an operation running smoothly starts with asking the right questions. This is certainly the case when it comes to hammering down a best cable assembly solution. However, when it comes to sitting down with one’s interconnect contractor, what kind of details are important to focus on?
The last thing any company wants to do is waste time and money. Going into a meeting with a contractor without a plan of action makes for a prime recipe for missing important details. Cable assemblies, along with wire harnesses, are supposed to make life easier. They allow for clearing up congestion of internal components & better use of space. They also end up being quite useful for keeping personnel safe, the one thing that is paramount for any business to do.
It goes without saying that with so much riding on cable assemblies, taking a laissez-faire approach toward the quality of their manufacturing is not, at the very least, best practices. At its worst, the safety and well-being of people is on the line.
But what kind of questions are important to ask when looking for ideal cable assemblies? In actuality, the best approach is simple but to the point. For example:
How available are components?
One of the hardest things just about everyone in the world has faced in the last couple of years is extended lead-times on, well, anything. Manufacturing is no different. Your contractor may suggest premium cable assemblies, but that doesn’t mean that they’re readily available. Moreover, the wait-time to get them built may be significant, something your company cannot accommodate.
What kind of cost is involved in assembly?
Like with most things, it is labor that incurs the greatest amount of cost. Depending on the components, cost for materials can often pale in comparison to the amount being paid for installation/repair. If the cable assemblies a company has chosen includes a significant amount of work to be put together, a sharp rise in cost should be expected.
How detailed do my specs need to be?
This may seem like an odd question as most folks would assume that hyper-detail in specifications for parts would be standard. However, some industries have basic specs that are shared across the board. That said, though, for a cable assembly to be designed, engineered, and produced the best way, details are critical. Your contractor should be able to help you figure out which details are of greatest concern.
Meeting Industry Standards
Every industry has standards it must abide by. These become even more profound when the industry serves both a domestic & international audience. Cable assemblies must meet certain criteria so that they do their job AND don’t run afoul to any governing body. However, a contractor should always suggest options for manufacturing that not only meet standards but also exceed them.
Finally, whether a company is hoping to modernize its operations or is trying to stay ahead of the game, the company must assess what it does & how best to improve upon it. When it comes to a cable assembly, it may be possible to utilize ready-made assemblies to simply “pop into place” without much hassle. However, customization may be the best solution if the task being optimized is specific & of consequence.
Don’t settle for just any cable assembly for your operation — find the RIGHT one. Contact LoDan Electronics, Inc. in Chicago today.