Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) are a specialized class of companies that offer engineering, manufacturing, and value-added services to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The term EMS can be used interchangeably with Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS) or Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM). These providers offer a broad spectrum of services to customers from diverse industries, including design, manufacturing, electronic assembly, quality control, supply chain management, logistics transportation, and after-sales support.
The advantage of partnering with an EMS provider is that it allows OEMs to focus on core business activities such as research and development, marketing, and sales. Consequently, many manufacturers opt to collaborate with EMS companies to increase their market competitiveness, leading to a rise in demand for electronic manufacturing services. As a prominent electronics manufacturer in China, JarnisTech has observed the rapid growth and evolution of the EMS industry.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the EMS industry, covering its history, benefits, current trends, and how to choose outsourced electronic manufacturing services. Let us explore further into this topic.
History of Electronic Manufacturing Services
Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) can trace their roots back to the early days of electronics manufacturing in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, electronics manufacturing was dominated by large, vertically integrated companies such as IBM and RCA that designed and manufactured their own products in-house.
However, starting in the 1970s, a new model of electronics manufacturing emerged, in which companies began outsourcing more of their manufacturing operations to specialized third-party providers. This was driven by several factors, including the increasing complexity of electronic products, the need for faster time-to-market, and the desire to reduce costs.
The first EMS providers were small, specialized companies that offered services such as printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, testing, and repair. These providers often worked with companies in the defense and aerospace industries, which had strict quality requirements and specialized needs.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the EMS industry began to grow rapidly, as more companies sought to outsource their electronics manufacturing operations. This growth was driven by the increasing globalization of the electronics industry, as companies sought to take advantage of lower labor costs and access new markets around the world.
During this period, EMS providers began to offer a wider range of services, including design and engineering, prototyping, box build assembly, and supply chain management. They also began to invest in new technologies and equipment to stay competitive and provide value-added services to their clients.
Today, the EMS industry is a mature and highly competitive market, with a wide range of providers offering a variety of services to clients in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The industry continues to evolve, driven by advances in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and global economic trends.
How to Choosing a Right Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) ?
Choosing the right Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider can be a critical decision for any company that is looking to outsource the manufacturing of their electronic products. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an EMS provider:
Experience and Expertise: Look for an EMS provider with experience in your industry and with products similar to yours. Ask for references and case studies to get a sense of their capabilities and track record.
Quality and Certifications: Ensure that the EMS provider has a strong quality management system in place, with certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and/or AS9100. Look for evidence of their commitment to quality, such as adherence to IPC standards, use of automated inspection equipment, and implementation of continuous improvement processes.
Flexibility and Scalability: Choose an EMS provider that can adapt to your changing needs, whether it’s adjusting production volumes, responding to design changes, or accommodating short lead times. Look for a provider that can scale production up or down as needed and that can handle both low- and high-volume production runs.
Technology and Capabilities: Ensure that the EMS provider has the technology and capabilities to meet your requirements, whether it’s surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology (THT), box build assembly, or testing. Look for a provider that invests in new equipment and technologies to stay competitive and that can provide value-added services such as design for manufacturability (DFM) and supply chain management.
Cost and Value: Of course, cost is an important consideration when choosing an EMS provider, but it’s not the only factor. Look for a provider that can offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality or service. Consider the value-added services that the provider can offer, such as engineering support, prototyping, and after-sales service.
Communication and Collaboration: Choose an EMS provider that communicates clearly and frequently, and that is willing to collaborate with you throughout the manufacturing process. Look for a provider that can provide regular updates on production status, quality metrics, and supply chain issues.
Ultimately, the right EMS provider will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Take the time to research and evaluate potential providers, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request additional information.
Capabilities of JarnisTech‘s Electronics Manufacturing Services
At JarnisTech, we offer a comprehensive range of manufacturing services that include design, production, assembly, and testing. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our ability to sign contracts at all stages of the manufacturing process. To begin the process, we only require a design document from the customer. From there, we work to develop the product, procure components from trusted distributors, and assemble and test the finished product. Our assembly team is always ready to provide design, manufacturing, and assembly samples as required by our customers.
The manufacturing of electronics involves varying degrees of automation, and at JarnisTech, we pride ourselves on investing in a vast array of equipment. Our investment allows us to choose the most suitable, highly automated manufacturing method or manual assembly, depending on the customer’s needs and the project requirements. Our goal is to provide our customers with cost-effective solutions that save time without compromising on quality.
The following information is JarnisTech Electronics manufacturing Service:
Design and Engineering: We can work with clients to design and develop new electronic products or improve existing ones. we can provide engineering services such as schematic capture, PCB layout, firmware development, and mechanical design.
PCB Assembly: We can assemble printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) or Through-Hole Technology (THT). We can also provide services such as PCB testing, rework, and repair.
Box Build Assembly: We can build complete electronic products by integrating PCBs, mechanical components, and other sub-assemblies into a finished product.
Testing and Quality Control: We can perform a range of tests to ensure the quality and reliability of electronic products. These tests can include functional testing, environmental testing, and reliability testing.
Supply Chain Management: We can manage the entire supply chain for electronic products, from sourcing components to managing inventory to shipping finished products to customers.
Prototyping and NPI: We can help clients develop prototypes and support New Product Introduction (NPI) by providing services such as design verification, testing, and pilot production.
After-Sales Support: We can provide after-sales support services such as repair, warranty management, and spare parts management.
Overall, We providers offer a wide range of capabilities that can help clients bring high-quality electronic products to market quickly and cost-effectively.
Benefits of Working with an EMS Provider
When collaborating with an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider, there are several significant advantages to consider. In fact, there are at least four key benefits that should be taken into account.
Enhancing OEM Market Entry Efficiency
For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that lack their own production lines, qualified personnel, and adequately equipped premises, collaborating with an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider may be their only viable option to bring new products to market. EMS providers typically invest heavily in buildings, technologies, and workforce, but can spread these costs across multiple customers, resulting in a more efficient use of resources. For OEMs that experience irregular demand and supply volatility, partnering with an EMS provider is often the most logical and economically viable choice. By outsourcing manufacturing processes, OEMs can save both money and time, while also turning fixed costs (which are typically quite high) into variable costs, meaning that costs decrease as production volume decreases.
Optimizing OEM Operations
The rapid pace of technological advancement and the need to keep up with evolving customer needs require a highly specialized workforce. This necessitates not only careful employee selection and ongoing training but also a significant investment in engineering expertise, which translates into substantial fixed costs for conducting assembly operations.
Partnering with a qualified electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider can alleviate this burden for OEMs, freeing them from the need to manage in-house production and indirect manufacturing competencies such as engineering and maintenance. This allows OEMs to focus solely on product development and sales/marketing operations, resulting in reduced fixed costs, headcounts, personnel, and recruitment expenses. Additionally, it mitigates the daily management challenges associated with maintaining a production environment.
Streamlining Operations
Reputable electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers possess a wealth of expertise in managing procurement processes and working with approved vendors worldwide. They have robust planning capabilities supported by sophisticated worldwide ERP systems and MES platforms that enable efficient execution of assembly operations on the production floor. These capabilities are the result of decades of experience and best practices, making them critical elements of cost-efficient production processes.
With such advanced tools and associated capabilities, proficient electronics manufacturing providers can respond to the needs of OEMs in a flexible and reliable manner, not only on paper but also in real production environments. They have the know-how to select approved vendors, source individual items (including performing audits), and execute procurement processes efficiently, resulting in a well-managed supply chain.
Collaborating with an EMS provider allows OEMs to avoid investing in complex IT systems and building supply chain management expertise, which requires qualified staff and long-term experience. Professional EMS providers not only manage the supply chain but also assist in developing effective planning solutions and managing them. Based on the customer’s specifications and business agreements, they work with material suppliers to keep excess material as low as possible, enabling stable production processes throughout the entire supply chain.
Mitigating Delivery Risks
A delay in delivery can have significant implications for businesses, potentially resulting in reputational damage and loss of revenue. Partnering with a well-organized electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider can help minimize the risk of delayed orders and ensure timely delivery of finished products. This requires strong cooperation between both parties and careful consideration of lead times for materials.
Collaborating with an EMS provider also offers the opportunity to leverage their purchasing power and market position when negotiating material prices and efficiently utilizing production equipment. By taking advantage of economies of scale, it is possible to reduce unit costs for OEM products and achieve further financial benefits, while also effectively managing projects.
Trends and Opportunities in Electronics Manufacturing Industry
The electronics manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, driven by advances in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and global economic trends. Here are some of the current trends and opportunities in the industry:
1. Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Devices: The proliferation of IoT devices and smart devices is driving demand for electronics manufacturing services. EMS providers are helping companies design and manufacture connected devices for a wide range of applications, from wearables and home automation to industrial IoT and smart cities.
2. 5G Connectivity: The rollout of 5G networks is creating opportunities for EMS providers to manufacture components and devices that can take advantage of the faster speeds and lower latency of 5G. This includes components such as antennas, filters, and amplifiers, as well as devices such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT sensors.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are being integrated into a wide range of electronic products, from voice assistants and smart speakers to autonomous vehicles and industrial robots. EMS providers are helping companies design and manufacture products that incorporate AI and machine learning technologies.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Consumers and governments are increasingly demanding that electronics products are manufactured in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. EMS providers are responding to this trend by implementing green manufacturing practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste and emissions, and designing products for repair and recycling.
5. Supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience, as disruptions in the global supply chain caused delays and shortages for many electronics manufacturers. EMS providers are working with their clients to build more resilient supply chains by diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory levels, and implementing risk management strategies.
Overall, the electronics manufacturing industry offers a range of opportunities for companies that can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions. EMS providers that can offer a wide range of capabilities and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends will be well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Conclusion
The electronics manufacturing industry is characterized by its rapid pace of development and constant evolution, necessitating providers of flexible solutions that can adapt quickly to meet their customers’ evolving needs.
At Jarnis Technology, innovation is the driving force behind our continuous progress, enabling us to keep pace with the times. We have a complete global electronics manufacturing business process, utilizing world-leading equipment and advanced technology to continuously simplify our production process. Our goal is to help customers tackle global electronics manufacturing challenges from design to implementation.
We are committed to working closely with our customers throughout their entire product development lifecycle, from concept design and engineering to manufacturing, to enhance their market competitiveness. As a leading electronics manufacturing services provider, we are an excellent choice for those considering outsourcing their manufacturing services.
We invite you to contact us now to start your project and experience the benefits of our expertise, advanced technology, and commitment to customer satisfaction.