I was asked to write another blog post and at first I really wasn’t sure what to write about. I share my time handling products returned for repair, assisting engineering on quotes, visual aids for production, component identification/substitution and answering questions about component programming and product testing.

It's always interesting to learn about the different jobs within an electronics manufacturing job shop. By understanding all the roles that exist to ensure our small batch electronics are properly assembled gives an even better look into the exciting world of electronics manufacturing. As a part of my in-depth blog series interviewing those working on the technical side of things, I had a chance to chat with Cathie Johnson, an RBB Selective Soldering Technician.

“Yeah, we do that.” Most electronic contract manufacturers (CM’s) have designed their businesses to say this, regardless of the need. Visit virtually any CM’s website or talk to their salespeople. You will likely encounter:

Can't stop, won't stop! We've been pretty active at different expos and trade shows this year and have even written a few blogs about how they're a great opportunity to not only meet fellow electronic manufacturing, engineering and supplier attendees but also to learn about relevant trends and issues going on in the world of electronics.

I get a lot of phone calls from entrepreneurs and business owners who are developing a product that has some kind of electronic component. They’re often looking for a new partner to produce parts of the product - or even the entire thing - and are sometimes new to navigating the ways of electronic contract manufacturing.

Recurring small batch electronic assemblies. That's what RBB does, day in and day out. Each of those days filled with a variety of unique jobs, assemblies, customers and suppliers. While it's fun to blog about the ways RBB uses online marketing, the expos we're attending, or the difference between large and small batch contract manufacturers... I found myself very curious about the nitty-gritty details regarding the actual assembly of our circuit boards.

I know. Like a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy it makes some folks uncomfortable to publicize good news too early. But there comes a time when recognition is not just appropriate, it’s overdue. I believe we have reached that time now.

Last week, RBB had the chance to exhibit at the 2014 Ohio Valley SMTA Expo & Tech Forum in Independence, Ohio. While these expos are always a great time, this year was no exception. In attendance from RBB were:

Embarking on a new outsourced custom electronics project can be full of concerns – and certainly items that you’ll want to have addressed by your outsourcing partner up front. Whether you are an original equipment manufacturer in need of a small batch of custom electronic assemblies for your own product, or a contract manufacturer and want to leverage the volume requirements of an outsourcing partner in order to pass the savings on to your customers, an outsourced relationship is potentially very valuable. As you get started, you’ll want to keep the following seven considerations in mind.