Assess Needs
Typically, customers are introduced to RBB through one of four common channels:
- Referrals (our most valued introduction)
- Sales Team activities
- Internet (searchers looking for electronics and panels Job Shops)
- Blind RFP’s (Requests for Proposals)
The best way to make an informed decision as to whether and how RBB can meet a customer’s needs is to visit our facility in Wooster, Ohio (map). There one sees first-hand how we’ve applied LEAN concepts to the Job Shop setting. They also gain insight into how we effectively manage the “perpetual changeover” environment which is so critical to controlling costs and quality. In addition, customers often discover that RBB is much more than “just” a board house – frequently, economies can be gained by asking RBB to quote on more complete, fully tested assemblies.
At proposal review time, every assembly goes through “requirements evaluation” to determine how much and what kind of effort will be needed to begin shipping quality product. Given the mission-critical nature of the product lines we serve, this up-front review is usually the most important stage in the entire process.
Products made in small batches, whether they are prototype, mature, or legacy, frequently require extra attention and care to make sure they are handled correctly. Items typically reviewed at this stage include:
- Engineering documents (which may be in a state of flux),
- Testing requirements, fixtures
- Sales history (annual demand, stability/predictability, batch size)
- Internal vs. Manufacturer Part Number identification on the BOM
- Identification of long lead-time parts and supplier minimums and multiples
