Well-done high-mix, low-cost EMS work requires strong process engineering, good systems and infrastructure, and experienced management talent. Many EMS companies, particularly in low-volume / high-mix are continuing to lose money …
Read more
Contracts & Agreements
Chasing EMS value with low-volume / high-mix
Electronics manufacturing services value is not cost reductions
Real problem with EMS industry is inability to effectively communicate its value proposition. Pressure on EMS firms relates to the mistaken belief the core value proposition of outsourced manufacturing is cost reductions.
Read more
Playbook for IP patent competitive intelligence and better business decisions
Many executives mistakenly do not treat intellectual property (IP) as an asset. Value such as insight into trade secrets and potential competing products can be extracted from competitors when executives …
Read more
China’s risk: Bubbles burst, that’s what they do
Combined, all of these issues, and many others are becoming fault lines in the foundation that has allowed China to recover from the economic …
Read more
Foreign IP strategy for electronics manufacturing
Know where your competitors are filing IP. Companies may consider filing patents in foreign jurisdictions where competitors are active, in an effort to gain market space and / or leverage IP assets during future negotiations. Manufacturers in emerging jurisdictions such as Brazil, India, China, and Vietnam become more active in presenting opportunities for joint manufacturing ventures …
Read more
China: How to negotiate and other Chinese business practices
You’ve got the meeting set up in Shanghai. Congratulations. With visa and bilingual business cards in hand, a Mandarin phrase book with a practiced toast, and appropriate gift for your Chinese host, what’s next to seal the deal in China?
Read more
New product introduction (NPI) quoting and the OEM
OEM companies engaged in quoting exercises for new product introduction (NPI) business services with contract manufacturers can expect the capable contract manufacturer to carefully lead the OEM through an established and itemized list of NPI product requirements and processes.
Read more
Independent manufacturers’ representatives – interview with legal counsel Gerald M. Newman
Read what Mr. Newman says about establishing good contract manufacturing and sales representative agreements, contractual disputes and business challenges parties need to be aware of, industry trend segments for sales representatives in the active and inactive semi-conductor sector, and more.
Read more
What you should know about quote pricing, purchase orders, and ERP systems
Quote pricing and purchase orders are driven by purchasing, programs management, and materials management departments in the contract manufacturer. Read how these functions drive the process and the role of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Read more
Contract manufacturing risk mitigation and risk management
As contract manufacturing business development wins more OEM programs, the risk of the contract manufacturer not being able to recover his investment decreases because similar outsource product manufacturing programs often have similar startup support requirements.
Read more