Words of Advice

Reading time ( words)

In our recent designer survey, we asked the following question: “What advice would you give an OEM system designer?” Here’s what our EMS experts said.

Jim Pierce, Axiom Electronics: "Push vendors to adapt to newer, more complete technology; find ways to work together to smoothen out transition to better technology offering; and open database structure."

Jon Ashton, Vergent Products: "Listen to your assemblers/operators, and manufacturing engineers/process engineers; and the datasheet isn't always right for your environment or process."

Marc Damman, ADCO Circuits: "Keep it as simple as possible."

06/07/2019 | Neil Sharp, JJS Manufacturing

Choosing whether (or not) to outsource your electronics manufacturing is likely to bring with it a multitude of questions—and some understandable doubts. Outsourcing is a critical decision—and it’s one that will rely on thorough research, close examination and the asking of some tough questions. This article summarizes four key areas that you'll want to scrutinize as you embark on your supplier selection process.

05/29/2019 | Michael Ford, Aegis Software Corp.

As MRP and ERP functions follow computing trends and start to migrate into the cloud, a fundamental question is being raised as to whether these are still the right tools to use in today’s modern Industry 4.0 driven factory, or whether these need to evolve, be enhanced, or even replaced in order to meet the more extreme requirements of operational flexibility, as well as cope with volatile material availability in the market.

05/27/2019 | Neil Sharp, JJS Manufacturing

At a time when many manufacturers are struggling to remain profitable, and with the uncertainty of the Brexit negotiations still looming large, finding new ways to nurture and grow your electronics manufacturing business has never been more crucial. Yet, despite the current challenges, some EMS providers are bucking the trend with reports of sustained growth. Here is their secret.