The first months of cooperation between an electronics manufacturing service (EMS) provider and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) are crucial for building an effective, long-term relationship. To ensure smooth manufacturing of high-quality products, effort is required from both parties.
What can be done at the early stage of the partnership to lay a strong foundation for contract electronics manufacturing? Read this article to find out.
Alignment of Goals and Preparation
At the very beginning of the OEM-EMS partnership, setting up clear, mutually agreed-upon goals is especially crucial to ensure that both parties are working towards the same outcomes, minimising misunderstandings and fostering a productive partnership.
Contract manufacturers should provide their clients with an opportunity to learn about the processes and workflows from production to quality control. Meanwhile, OEMs should take the time to familiarise themselves with these operations. In turn, the EMS provider needs to thoroughly understand the requirements and quality standards for the OEM’s product as well as the timeline for its production.
Establishing a Project Team
Managing an OEM’s project requires significant expertise, often from different areas. For this reason, experienced EMS providers, such as Assel, take a dedicated approach by assigning a team specifically to each OEM. A Key Account Manager, Project Manager, and Product Engineer are the key experts on such a team, responsible for carrying out regular communication, reviewing project progress, and managing any potential issues, thus handling each project phase from the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to full-scale production.
Supply Chain Management and Material Quality Inspections
Partnering with an EMS provider, who offers full supply chain support, enhances efficiency by ensuring material quality, optimised pricing, and timely deliveries, freeing OEMs to focus on key tasks like design and marketing.
If a contract manufacturer does provide supply chain management services, the early stage of the cooperation will be the time to set up a comprehensive business model. To support this process, OEMs are expected to provide Assembly Documentation.
To inspect material quality, EMS providers utilise robust protocols, usually involving different techniques. For example, at Assel, to determine the batch’s compliance with predefined quality standards, the statistical method of Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) is used, while any discrepancies are promptly addressed through supplier collaboration. By implementing tools like Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and requiring 8D reports for corrective actions, EMS providers maintain high standards for quality and consistency.
Transition from Prototype to Full Production
Launching full-scale production after successful prototyping begins with the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase, which involves three major steps:
- Pre-NPI preparations, where necessary procedures are developed and arrangements for production are made, including process control planning and process failure mode and effects analysis (P-FMEA);
- Small-batch production, allowing for testing the implemented manufacturing workflow, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and assessing the cost-effectiveness of the processes;
- Full production approval, which requires rigorous testing and completing an NPI Advisory report, summarising production process insights, detected issues, and any recommended design improvements.
Post-NPI Support
The data collected during the NPI phase can serve as a source of valuable information for further optimisations. These may include refining machine configurations, adjusting process steps, and, in certain cases, finding alternative suppliers.
Final Thoughts
The manufacturing process’s efficiency relies on successful initial months with an EMS provider, requiring commitment and transparency from both parties. Strategic alignment, clear communication, and thorough preparation are crucial for minimising risks and building a foundation for OEM’s product success. For more information on working with an experienced EMS provider, check asselems.com.
