ODM and EMS providers are poor when it comes to brand marketing. Differentiation comes from identifying that short list of relevant attributes your organization does exceptionally well in comparison to other alternatives also available to buyers in industry.
Read more
Trends & Observations
Effective ODM and EMS provider marketing
How OEMs can build better EMS provider relationships
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 …
Read more
Electronics industry readers comment on crisis in Japan
Well prepared supply-chains, like Apple, have hedged their sources and will do well. It is very hard to refrain from saying, “I told you so” when looking at the failure to set up second sources, alternate manufacturing sites.
Read more
End of an era as Japanese earthquake forever changes face of semiconductor chip manufacturing industry
The world can no longer rely on single source semiconductor manufacturing. Protecting semiconductor manufacturing capabilities should be likened to oil-producing countries protecting their natural resources.
Read more
2011 Report: China manufacturing hourly labor rate, compensation costs impact EMS
China’s hourly manufacturing labor rates are far below rates in Japan ($27.80) and Taiwan ($8.68) but roughly on par with nations like the Philippines ($1.68). China manufacturing compensation costs slightly higher than those in India. Many EMS / ODM companies in China, especially those making PCs, are moving operations inland.
Read more
Personal perspective from Japan on Fukushima nuclear disaster
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) cannot deny the meltdown and fission. It will take several months to terminate the release of radioactive materials from the facilities and several years to remove the contamination from the area.
Read more
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.
Read more
EMS manufacturing site relocation and selection in North America
Some states offering incentives for EMS providers are really just imposing more taxes. Understanding which states are more aggressive when it comes to incentives capabilities is key to selecting geography.
Read more
Understanding working with Chinese state-owned enterprises
Your chances for success increase if you align your objectives with government of China’s local, regional or national pathway.
Read more
RoHS Recast: What’s in store for 2.0?
Anything not exempted from the scope of ‘Electrical and Electronic Equipment’ is subject to the Recast provisions. An entirely new eleventh category will be added to Article 2. Not a part of RoHS legislation, but closely linked to it, is EU CE marking.
Read more
