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March, 2014


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Important Considerations When Seeking A New CM Continued from previous page


electronic industries, such as medical or military electronics, can be invaluable for a CM. Selecting a CM with little or no engineering


or production experience in an area of interest can usually only lead to problems. At the very least, some time will be required for a CM without prop- er experience to become sufficiently knowledgeable about a particular area. Any CMs being considered for a particular


area of interest should be qualified by providing publicly available information about pertinent jobs completed in that area of interest. A well-written letter of introduction from a CM


can be quite helpful in learning about that CM, but it is only a starting point. Attached to the letter should be a brochure and equipment list from the CM, with model numbers, manufacturers’ names, and specifications that may be pertinent to a partic- ular production job. The CM’s website can also be re-


vealing, since it often provides useful details on a company’s history and philosophy. If clients are mentioned on the site, it would be wise to consult with them for references. A CM’s so- cial media blogs can also be helpful for providing updates, current events, and accomplishments of interest.


Take a tour. CMs under serious consideration


should be prescreened through a tour of each of their plants. This will be well worth the serious amounts of time and travel involved, since it pres- ents the opportunity of observing ac- tual manufacturing conditions. It pro- vides a chance to see the actual prod- uct and test equipment that will be used for a particular job. And if special equipment is needed for a particular task, will a CM be willing to make the necessary investment and have it op- erational at the time the job will be needed? A visit to a CM also provides the


opportunity to assess the firm’s quali- ty-control (QC) equipment, since this equipment will play an important role in ensuring defect-free manufactured assemblies. A plant tour also provides a chance to meet a CM’s executives and engineers who will be responsible for a particular job, and to judge confi- dence levels in these personnel who may very well become partners for a particular production job or series of jobs.


Be specific in expectations. In the process of searching for a


CM, once the candidates have been narrowed to a final three or less, they should each receive a request for quote (RFQ) containing a Gerber file and a bill of materials (BOM) for the job. These items, plus a circuit schematic diagram, if available, are required for preparation of an accurate electronics assembly quote. For quotes involving engineering design and development, additional details will be needed. To avoid misunderstandings, an RFQ should clearly state job requirements and deadlines. Candidates for a job should know when the RFQs should be returned and how soon after a pur- chase order (PO) is issued that they can expect delivery.


Keeping a relationship going. Companies working as CMs typ-


ically do not seek “one-and-done” rela- tionships. Rather, the hope is for a long-lasting relationship that is built on trust and confidence. Such a rela- tionship is not often built on the basis of low price alone. Instead, that rela- tionship develops as a CM fulfills a client’s expectations for meeting and


The centerpiece of IMET’s equipment invento- ry is the high-throughput, fully automated


line that takes charge by automatically load- ing bare boards at the receiving end and un- loading the finished assembled boards at the other end — all without human intervention. SMT Leader Tim Wilkinson supervises.


Page 19


exceeding performance, consistency, and reliability levels job after job, with pricing that is fair and rea- sonable. As an example, Innovative Manufacturing for


Electronic Technology (IMET) Corp. provides all- inclusive or a la carte product development solu- tions to transform new product concepts into real- ity. The firm offers a full range of services, includ- ing contract manufacturing, PCB assembly, prod- uct development, and electronics engineering. IMET leverages an in-house staff of seven engi- neers to help clients design and produce their products with a focus on marketability. IMET is a service provider to companies that


employ electronics devices in their proprietary products. The company serves a variety of indus- tries, including consumer, military, aerospace, and industrial electronics products. When the appear-


Continued on page 22


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