If you’re an electronics buyer, some days you may feel like Sarah Connor at the end of The Terminator, the classic 1984 movie. Remember the unstoppable Arnold Schwarzenegger, in all metal form, as he relentlessly chased Sarah through that factory of moving equipment? He simply refused to die!
Everywhere we look it seems society as a whole is focused on price. We constantly see this in television advertising, online pop-up ads, or dreaded telemarketers. The tunnel vision focus on price has blinded customers to what they are actually purchasing.
The second day of the BioMEMS and Sensors Conference kicked off with a very interesting breakdown of the steps involved in committing to start up venture which include networking, funding, proof of concept and commercialization. Jumping in with a team of passionate individuals with a culture of positivity is critical. Patience and a little luck can go a long way too!
Many of the customers who find their way to RBB or other expert job shops, often do so by surprise. Several industry dynamics put the small batch customer at a disadvantage.
Many companies today are realizing the importance of a thorough onboarding process for their new employees, and are improving their orientation plans accordingly. Getting new employees acclimated to the company quickly is beneficial to both the employee and your company. The first 90 days is fundamental - the behaviors, habits, and attitudes developed during this time will likely determine their success with your company. It’s your responsibility to give them every possible tool, training, and bit of information available so they can hit the ground running.
When SmartBusiness Cleveland Magazine honored RBB Systems with its 2010 Evolution of Manufacturing Award, it drew attention to the growing separation of RBB’s business model from the rest of the pack of reputable contract manufacturers. All the way back in 2008, RBB had announced that it had “left the field” of large batches permanently behind. Since these high volume (gravy) runs had always been the Holy Grail, SmartBusiness was intrigued.
Your ECM partner works with many customers, each of whom has their own technical standards and style of working. Don’t allow yourself to think that your electronics manufacturer's abundant technical expertise somehow includes clairvoyance!
Your company is facing one or more of these situations and has made the decision to outsource the manufacture of electronic circuit board assemblies, control panels and/or box-build assemblies.
Prototypes – From a Customer’s Perspective
Our team has a great idea for a unique and powerful new product. If we don’t act quickly, someone else will launch a competing device soon. The first company out there usually captures the greatest market share; we’re in a hurry to get some prototype circuit boards built so we can tweak them and get ready for full production.
Let’s say that your customer makes the purchasing decisions at an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). They are responsible for an assortment of custom electronics – with ever-changing needs. You are their reputable contract manufacturer (CM) and accommodate their style well, yet you suspect that your customer has made at least one of these comments:
