Asking questions about cost, quality, strategic fit and risk is only part of OEM best practices for EMS provider due diligence. Reliance on a single point of contact can be a sign of lack of depth, or simply due to …
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Materials Management
How OEMs can build better EMS provider relationships
VIDEO – Defining disaster in Japan: Impact on Japanese and global electronics industry supply chains
Japan represents 10% to 15% of global electronics demand but 16% to 30% of electronics component supply. OEMs with meaningful cash positions are trying to pull in orders, buying up available component supplies. Taiwan printed circuit board companies like Kinsus and Unimicron could see bigger negative impacts.
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Understanding military, defense electronics manufacturing
U.S. military appetite for printed circuit boards is $1.1 billion with roughly $300 million (and growing) for military rigid-flexible printed circuit boards. To the benefit of some EMS providers (and disadvantage of many others) engaging new military and defense opportunities for EMS providers will be as much about knowledge, competency and trust as it will be about footprint or size. Defense electronics is a mentality, not a market.
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2010 Semiconductor revenues target $300 billion
This year marks all-time annual high for global semiconductor revenue. Demand for consumer electronics continues to surpass expectations. Global factory revenue for electronics systems could reach $1.5 trillion. Strong sales predicted for PCs, mobile handsets, LCD-TVs, semiconductor-rich systems.
EMS as a growth industry and reasons for optimism
EMS industry underestimated. Growth opportunities seen at numerous EMS companies. Sanmina-SCI in major identity makeover. Flextronics disproportionate beneficiary in computing. Clean tech aids non-traditional EMS sectors. OEMs reevaluate strategies.
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Ways OEMs avoid electronics NPI mistakes
Excess inventory is a liability to both the EMS provider and OEM. This exposure must be watched closely by both since the EMS provider will undoubtedly come back to the OEM looking for payment for exposed material left over. If OEMs feel the EMS provider is not practicing proper procurement practices, OEMs should push …
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China iPhone market demand projections
Some industry reports indicate Apple could soon be announcing a partnership with China Unicom to distribute the iPhone across mainland China. While VentureOutsource.com is unsure of the pending partnership, reports are providing insight into what Apple’s China iPhone venture …
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Chasing EMS value with low-volume / high-mix
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 …
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Mobile phones: Troubled contract manufacturing?
When the economy is strong and market demand is good, this model will help an EMS provider grow because economies of scale can be leveraged and the manufacturing business and the component business can …
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