Potential benefits include lower product cost, faster product introductions, higher quality and lower asset investment. Outsource manufacturing strategy not well conceived, however, can 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 contractor or key sub-tier parts supplier 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 most suitable suppliers for our particular client needs. We have extensive knowledge and contacts with large and smaller specialized electronics contract manufacturers in the Americas, Asia and Europe. We perform exacting requirements 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 contract manufacturer selection criteria.

Qualification of contract manufacturers involves expert on-site factory audits and due diligence. Factory qualification audits surveys are customized for each client to focus on those capabilities key to client programs success. This process of factory audits 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 helps identify contract manufacturers and key 2nd-tier suppliers (cables, harnesses, metals, plastics, high precision mechanical parts, valves, motors, etc.) for quotation. Our services also includes guidance on creation of Request for Quotation (RFQ) and assisting in analyzing the merits of incoming proposals.