Converting considerations for flexible materials
Figure 2. A configurable machine capable of performing multiple processes is any order.
leader and trailer materials for startup and the more difficult processes, perhaps trials, facilities
shutdown. and those where asset investments cannot • ability to line up information
Typically, in an outsource converting be justified. systems with the customers’
program, there will be five to ten opportu- There are also a large number of • traceability of material
nities through the whole chain of events considerations to review in choosing an • registration to international
to affect the cost, with the end result outsource manufacturing partner. Perhaps quality standards (ISO 9001
being that your outsource partner delivers the most important, as mentioned above, being the minimum standard)
demonstrable value over and above the is whether they would really be a ‘partner.’ • ability to purchase materials to
simple cost. Good outsource manufacturing firms will spec and to manage the sub-
assist TFPV firms in designing a product vendors
T
FPV companies in this market will for manufacturability, which means they • ability to purchase outside
need to decide how much, if any should be involved as early as possible. services and to manage those
converting to perform themselves and how They will bring together available technolo- sub-vendors
much to outsource. This is a question with gies with their own expertise and design
Finally, a most important consideration
strategic as well as tactical implications. A a program that makes sense. They will
in choosing an outside converting partner
few of the more important factors are: procure materials and manage the vendors.
is the extent in which the customer trusts
• Does the company have real They will demonstrate good listening skills.
that the converter will protect intellectual
expertise in thin-film convert- And they will have the people, technology,
property. IP is often the most valuable asset
ing? capital and MIS resources to pull it off,
that a TFPV owns. The converter should
• Does the company want to and to continuously improve the perfor-
be able to demonstrate that they employ le-
invest in the assets and devote mance.
gal, physical and MIS protections that will
the space? Of course, cost is a major consider-
safeguard this knowledge. It is not enough
• How does the company want to ation. However, TFPV companies are well
to simply sign a CDA.
devote its time and talents? advised to think in terms of ‘value’ rather
• Can the assets be fully utilized than ‘cost.’ Narrowly viewed, internal
at the volumes projected? direct costs almost always beat outsourced
• Can the outsource partner costs. But viewed on an end-to-end basis,
Josh Chernin is the general manager of
really be considered a ‘partner’? a good outsource vendor will deliver more
Web Industries’ Boston facility. Web
Will they protect important value than cost. For example, their direct
Industries is a leading provider of out-
intellectual property? Will they cost of slitting may be higher, but if their
sourced flexible material manufacturing
be responsive to needs, and waste factor is lower, the cost may well pay
services, with six plants in the United
have they proven that they for itself. Playing ‘bank’ for their customer
States. Services include slitting, sheeting,
can and will make continuous (by fronting the cash needed to pay for sub-
spooling, printing, coating, laminating
improvements? tier vendors’ materials) can free up needed
and die cutting, as well as supply chain
cash. Simply eliminating various hassles
Each manufacturer of solar thin films may
management and assembly. Josh can be
such as managing vendors and expediting
choose to answer the question of whether
reached at jchernin@webindustries.com.
materials has value as well.
to outsource in a different way. Some
Other considerations in selecting an
companies will adopt a hybrid model; for
outsource converting vendor are:
example, keeping in-line converting pro-
• geographic reach, number of
cesses in-house while outsourcing some of
20 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2008 www.globalsolartechnology.com
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