Levison Enterprises Blog

Debunking 7 Myths in Electronic Contract Manufacturing

Just like in any situation requiring teamwork, putting the right players around you can mean all the difference between success and failure. When it comes to choosing an electronic contract manufacturer (ECM), there are rarely shortcuts to finding the right company to partner with. That doesn't mean many haven't tried to distill the decision-making process down to some assumptions that either haven't been updated for today's world, or were just flat wrong to begin with. The bottom line is that finding the right ECM partner requires a good amount of research and thought.

OEMs Talk About Why They Outsource

Outsourcing makes a lot of sense in terms of efficiency, reduced costs, and perhaps most importantly, accessing specialized knowledge, abilities, and processes. While those that produce everything in-house like to hang their hat on it, there are a number of reasons why smart companies have opted to share production with specialized outside companies. In this age of innovation and technology, business moves at a speed never before seen in history. That has led to the proliferation of what some consider a dirty word - outsourcing. In today's marketplace, almost anything can be outsourced, from research and design to component manufacturing. These tasks can be handled by a trusted partner that offers certain benefits to your project.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Choosing an ECM Partner

The process of choosing an electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) can make or break your project depending on who you hire. The right manufacturing partner can be a dream come true. However, the wrong ECM can result in missed deadlines, faulty products, lots of frustrations, and worse - a tarnished reputation for you. When considering outsourcing, you want an ECM that makes your life easier and takes your project in the right direction. Here are some common mistakes in choosing a manufacturing partner and how you can avoid them.

Staying Ahead of Electronic Component Shortages

The biggest contributing factor behind the electronic component shortages is simply demand out-weighing supply. If you’ve found yourself stressed about the global electronic component shortage, you are not alone. The situation is becoming even harder to navigate. However, just because there’s a shortage doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead of the game. You need to know what factors are causing it and what the scope of the global effects are. It’s time to rethink your strategy. The process starts by working together with your electronic contract manufacturing partner.

Common Applications for Multilayer Printed Circuit Boards

More and more is expected from printed circuit boards as technology evolves. There is demand for smaller, lighter, and more powerful PCBs for a wide variety of applications. Enter multilayer printed circuit boards. Multilayer PCBs are a game changer for electronic manufacturers. These compact boards' dense design allow for electronics to pack a powerful punch in a tiny footprint.

Is Your Electronic Manufacturing Partner Ready For Your Project?

You have a lot of choices when it comes to partnering with an electronic contract manufacturer. So, how do you know the electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) you choose will be ready for the challenge of your project? The best way to avoid partnering with an ECM who isn’t capable of successfully managing and manufacturing your product is by looking for indicators that DO make them the right choice.

Partnering with a Domestic ECM Can Save You Money

There seems to be a common thought that partnering with an overseas electronic contract manufacturer can save you money. That misconception is just that...and far from the truth. In fact, partnering with a domestic ECM can save you much more money in the long run. There is a long list of reasons, all of which should have you looking here at home in the good old US of A for your next manufacturing partner.

Quality Assurance Matters When Partnering With an ECM

More and more companies are turning to outsourced manufacturing to save money and reduce time to market. But outsourcing to an electronic contract manufacturer should not equal compromising your commitment to quality. Quality control can be a big indicator of whether or not you have found the right company to trust your manufacturing to. After all, quality assurance matters when partnering with an ECM.

Understanding the "Why" Behind Parts Obsolescence in Medical Device Manufacturing

It is no secret that parts obsolescence is a major concern in the electronic industry. But the problem of obsolete and hard to find components seems to be compounded when it comes to medical device manufacturing. Medical device manufacturing comes with its own unique set of qualifications. The concern with parts obsolescence for electronic medical devices is equally as unique. But in order to begin to combat the problem, you must first fully understand it.

An ECM Should Focus on More Than Assembly

Electronics is one of the largest global industries in the world. Its continued growth has many original equipment providers (OEMs) turning to solution providers that offer industry expertise and experience. This allows them to focus on research and development while a contractor takes over manufacturing. Electronic Contract Manufacturers (ECMs) provide a wide range of value-added engineering and manufacturing outsourcing services to OEMs. They are a partner that can handle as much or as little of your project as you need them to. But the relationship needs to be more than just someone doing a job they are hired to do. You need an ECM that will anticipate your needs so manufacturing runs smoothly no matter what.

What to Expect from an Experienced ECM Project Manager

Sometimes it is tempting to tackle project management by committee in an attempt to save a few bucks. While it might seem like a good idea at the time, it may cost you missed deadlines, a blown budget, inferior products, and a lot of frustration in the long run. Solid project management is an investment that just makes sense. An experienced ECM project manager will work together with your company to learn about your requirements and understand the nuances of your product. They bridge manufacturing, design, and engineering services throughout the ECM process, and can mean the difference between a winning project and a big flop.

7 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right ECM for Your Next Project

Finding the right electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) to partner with on your next project isn't always as easy as it sounds. You need someone you can trust to accurately and competitively manufacture your electronic device. So, how do you know which ECM is right for you? There are some key factors that need to be looked at to ensure success. Here are seven questions to ask when searching for an ECM for your next project: