Risk Management in Electronic Manufacturing: Strategies for Success

There is risk involved when bringing a new product to market. No matter how good the concept and design may be, taking that concept through the manufacturing and assembly process can identify flaws and errors that can cause product failure. Working with a high-quality electronic contract manufacturing team can help identify, assess, and address any risk of failure through a thorough quality assurance process that begins with the initial design and only completes when your final product is delivered.

Prototyping Your PCB Assembly Can Identify and Assess Risk

Prototyping is a stage that is sometimes overlooked to save on initial costs and move through the manufacturing process more quickly. Still, this reasoning is faulty for several reasons. After finalizing the design with the engineering team, moving into a prototyping stage for the PCB assembly can help identify and assess risk. While you may be confident in your product – and if you have reached the manufacturing stage, you should be – a prototype will still provide proof of concept and significantly lower the risk of a failed manufacturing run. Developing a working prototype will tell you whether your design is ready to move forward into a full-scale production run or if design, functionality, or assembly issues need to be addressed. If this stage is skipped, the risk of having a full-scale run of flawed products is significantly increased. A small run for a working prototype will not break your budget, even if the project fails, but a full-scale run of a non-functional run risks significant losses.

An On-Site Engineering Team Helps Ensure a Smooth Process

Potential design flaws, layout issues, and component shortages often complicate the PCB assembly process. The risk of product failure is high when the manufacturing process continues with these complications unchecked. Going through the prototyping process is a smart way to ensure that the product has been assessed, but a further issue can arise if problems are discovered and you have chosen an ECM without an on-site team of engineers. An in-house team of engineers will make any potential changes and adjustments easy to accomplish quickly and effectively. If component shortages are an issue, the on-site engineers can reverse engineer the design to work with readily available components. If there is an issue in the prototype’s functionality, the engineers can identify the root cause of the problem and make the necessary adjustments to fix it. Without a team of on-site engineers, potential issues will take longer to uncover, and often result in significant delays as the product is outsourced for adjustments.

Choosing a Domestic, Turnkey Facility Reduces the Risk of Failure

While outsourcing your electronic manufacturing needs to an overseas facility may appear low-cost, the increased risk of product failure is often too high to ignore. Choosing a domestic, turnkey facility will significantly lower the risk of failure, making it a far more cost-efficient decision. A turnkey facility will be able to handle every aspect of your project without the need for additional outsourcing. Additionally, you will have a project manager as a single point of contact who will understand your project completely and streamline the communication, reducing the risk of any errors that can arise from miscommunication. A domestic facility will have a network of vetted suppliers to ensure readily available components without the risk of counterfeits. It will have a highly skilled team of professionals with the appropriate certifications and the right experience for your industry and application.

Ask the Right Questions When Choosing an Electronic Contract Manufacturer

Finding the proper electronic contract manufacturing and how to mitigate risk during new product development is crucial to success. When looking for a partner to complete your concept, several questions can guide you toward the right electronic contract manufacturing team.

• Do you offer a Design for Manufacturability analysis before the manufacturing process? What design support do you provide?
• Do you offer prototyping before a full-scale run? What is the testing process, and how will potential flaws be addressed?
• Do you have a team of engineers on-site during the manufacturing process to address potential issues?
• What supply chain management practices do you have in place? Do you have a network of vetted suppliers for counterfeit risk mitigation?
• What industry experience do you have that is relevant to this project? Does your team hold the relevant certifications for our industry?
• What testing and quality assurance practices do you have in place?
• What will project management look like? Will we have one point of contact to keep us informed during the manufacturing process?

PCB failure, particularly after a full-scale production run, is a costly risk that cannot be ignored. By making the proactive decision to work with a domestic, turnkey electronic contract manufacturing facility with an on-site team of engineers, the capability for a DFM analysis and prototyping phase, and the ability to keep your process under one roof, you can significantly reduce this risk. A high-quality, turnkey ECM will have the right team and equipment to mitigate the risks of new product development and take your project through from design to delivery.

Why Choose Levison Enterprises?

In a world of technological innovation, the journey from concept to market-ready product is fraught with risks. As you navigate the landscape of electronic manufacturing, Levison Enterprises stands ready to be your trusted partner in mitigating these risks and ensuring your success. Our commitment to excellence begins with a comprehensive Design for Manufacturability analysis, guiding you through each step of the process with expert support. By embracing the prototyping stage, we identify and address potential flaws early, sparing you the costly repercussions of full-scale production failures. With an on-site team of seasoned engineers, we swiftly navigate any challenges, ensuring smooth sailing from design to delivery.

Furthermore, by choosing our domestic, turnkey facility, you gain the assurance of a streamlined process free from the uncertainties of overseas outsourcing. From supply chain management to rigorous quality assurance practices, Levison Enterprises offers the expertise and reliability you need to bring your vision to life. When it comes to electronic contract manufacturing, ask yourself: Are you willing to risk the success of your project by settling for anything less than the best? Choose Levison Enterprises and embark on a journey of innovation with confidence. Contact us today to learn more.

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