There are four main factors for building a successful complete machine assembly. They are interrelated until completed between OEM and EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) companies.
Collaborate with OEM and EMS suppliers
Collaboration during the design phase is a major part, where OEM and EMS must provide configuration, aesthetics, and branding.
Component selection plays an important role and must meet design requirements as well as the cost, delivery time, and lifecycle of components in the market.
Optimization and recommendations for electrical and electronic components must be determined based on alternative solutions and availability.
Before signing the product completion document, it is necessary to effectively communicate the Manufacturing Design (DFM).
Assembly design (DFA) is equally important, as the entire chassis construction must be built by the EMS industry.
The manufacturing standards and quality must be determined, and the feasibility of testing must also be determined in the early design stage.
Compliance testing of electronic components is crucial for manufacturers of complete machine assemblies to ensure compliance with EMIC and safety regulations.
The last but most important factor is the time to market, which depends on the project schedule, production deadline, and long-term milestones.
Manufacturing Quality Control
Quality control is the key to the success of PCB box assembly services.
The inspection or testing points after and during the assembly of the whole machine should be fixed and easily accessible.
The testing method for whole machine assembly should be developed based on work, environment, safety, and reliability testing.
Traceability is used to trace the main sub component parts in the event of a malfunction, using serial numbers, barcodes, dates, etc.
Electronic box assemblies are susceptible to ESD and other damages, therefore protocols must be discussed and followed.
For boxed products, there is a boundary called the acceptability standard that requires testing and delivery with certain characteristics.
Some box assemblies require some training for workers so that they can handle certain materials and follow certain procedures.
Corrective and improvement measures will also be taken during the manufacturing phase.
Correct manufacturing process and instructions
The manufacturing process requires complete machine assembly and end of line testing procedures during the prototype design and feedback stages.
Need to optimize the overall assembly workflow to improve efficiency.
Automation and feasibility testing must be installed. After the installation process is completed, testing must be conducted to obtain continuous feedback for improvement. In order to achieve better results, it is necessary to effectively communicate these feedbacks to EMS's OEM.
Need to take instructions when a malfunction occurs and provide feedback for upgrading
Fixtures or fixing devices are not only suitable for all electronic components, but also for whole machine assembly.
It is necessary to set up and optimize firmware and software refresh configurations with version control to eliminate fault factors.
Excellent supply chain management
The procurement and supply chain teams of OEM and EMS work together to identify suppliers, supplier quality, capabilities, and certifications
Most active components require two or more suppliers to find alternatives and better pricing
Inventory planning and assembly line processes must be automated to avoid component shortages. This also involves timely issuance of purchase orders and pre invoices, and avoiding production line delays
Intermediary suppliers and logistics teams collaborate effectively to integrate all prices and reduce transportation costs by optimizing routes.
