Potential benefits include lower product cost, faster product introductions, higher quality and lower asset investment. Programs that are  not well conceived, however, often result in inflated product cost, delayed product introductions, missed deliveries and higher customer returns. Since a company’s investment in tooling and training is not readily transferable from one contract manufacturer to another, the cost of a poor or sub-optimal outsource program can easily measure in the millions of dollars.

Contract Manufacturing Consultants identifies the best options for printed circuit board and end-product assembly. We have extensive knowledge and contacts with large, mid-size and smaller specialized electronics contract manufacturers in the Americas, Asia and Europe. We perform exacting analysis of our client's assembly, test and quality control needs to determine specific equipment and process requirements. We also analyze materials cost savings potential, engineering support, location preference, short and long-term business strategy to determine comprehensive CM selection criteria.

Qualification of CM's involves expert on-site survey and due-diligence. On-site surveys are customized for each client to focus on those capabilities key to client programs success. This process of on-site survey plus extensive due-diligence, while more time-intensive, provides a solid base for recommendations, rather than relying on polished presentations and plant tours, which sometimes are not true representations of the services delivered. CMC then recommends CM's for quotation, helps prepare quotation request packages then assists in analyzing the merits of incoming proposals.

Implementation assistance is also available. CMC can recommend organization structure, operating processes and performance reports needed to successfully manage the contract manufacturer relationship. We can also help identify suitable critical component suppliers, design test strategies, prepare ramp-up plans, and can assist in other areas of detailed implementation.