The role of Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) and other electronics trade and service providers is vital in the production of the electronic products that we use daily. The increasing reliance on electronic products in various industries worldwide has led to a surge in demand for EMS. This is further amplified by the rising complexity of electronic devices. As a domestic or industrial electronics player, it is essential to learn about the various aspects of electronics manufacturing.
Most companies now incorporate electronic components into their products, and understanding this technology is crucial. However, it can be costly. Thankfully, outsourcing the manufacturing process to EMS companies can be a viable option. But what exactly are EMS, and how can they benefit your business? Read on to discover more about this niche market and its potential benefits.
EMS Terminology refers to a range of electronic product design, development, and manufacturing services offered by EMS companies. Depending on the type of EMS company, they may provide product development and design services only, or both design and manufacturing services.
EMS is rapidly growing in the industry as technology continues to advance, and the world of electronics continues to evolve. These companies offer more than just contract manufacturing services. They provide comprehensive solutions, including development, engineering, industrial design, and production management.
Several factors contribute to the growth of the EMS industry, including the need for cost-competitive products, the development and deployment of smaller, simpler products, the increasing globalization of the electronics industry, and new commercialization strategies in consumer electronics.
The rise of electronics manufacturing can be traced back to the digital computer and its integration into mainstream electronics in the 1990s. However, in recent years, advancements in operational capacity, availability, economy, and variety have significantly improved the industry. The growing complexity of electronics assembly and miniaturization has emphasized the importance of Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS).
EMS companies are primarily responsible for providing electronics manufacturing services, which typically include designing, manufacturing, assembling, and testing electronic components. However, if an Original Electronics Manufacturer (OEM) is involved, it becomes Electronics Contract Manufacturing.
The EMS industry is currently experiencing dynamic growth, with a projected annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2018 to 2024. This growth presents increased opportunities for electronics manufacturers to leverage. As a result, a range of electronics manufacturing service providers is available, making it challenging to select the right one for your electronics manufacturing needs.
Choosing the right contract manufacturer is crucial if you require electronics contract manufacturing services. This process occurs before electronics development, assembly, component assembly, and product testing. Alternatively, ECM can provide complex solutions, including manufacturing components, design services, and assembled prototypes.
The high demand for cutting-edge electronics and equipment in various industry sectors worldwide has led authorities to regulate and stimulate the growth of this industry through favorable EMS policies and regulations. India, for example, developed and adopted programs such as PIL and SPEC to strengthen electronics and component manufacturing in the country.
PCB assembly
PCB assembly is a critical service provided by nearly every EMS company. It involves the soldering of PCB components onto the board using surface mount or through-hole technology methods. EMS companies use machines for pick and place, which is key in aligning the small components.
Cable assembly
Cable assembly is another essential service provided by EMS providers. This service involves the production, engineering, and testing of cable assemblies, mechanical assemblies, and wiring harnesses. It can also include panel assembly and wiring.
EMS companies also offer electromechanical assembly services that include plastic, steel, or aluminum box fabrication. Other services related to electromechanical assembly include packaging, functional testing, and 3-D modeling. EMS companies also provide custom packaging for shipping, configuration management, and shrink deployment.
HMVL, short for high-mix low-volume, refers to a manufacturing technique that produces small batches of diverse electronic products. This approach is often utilized as part of electronics manufacturing services and is particularly suitable for the production of intricate and distinctive products that require specific quality specifications.
As opposed to the outdated low-mix high-volume (LMHV) electronics manufacturing, which primarily focuses on producing massive quantities of identical products, HMVL has gained traction in modern manufacturing practices. Today's market requires customized electronics, which HMVL effectively delivers.
In the past, electronic equipment and vehicles were produced using LMHV since the demand was only concentrated on volume. However, consumers' preferences have shifted towards personalized products that suit their individual needs and desires, making HMVL the preferred manufacturing method.
Small batch production operations often involve constant changes to jobs, machines, and materials due to the highly customized nature of electronics manufacturing. However, limited production lines and a wide variety of products can lead to inconsistencies and errors in the final product. To address these challenges, there are several ways to enhance the HMLV manufacturing process.
One approach is to optimize the manufacturing process by smoothing the product flow. This can be achieved regardless of how many product variants there are. Another important factor is planning, which must be aligned with the production process to eliminate faults and improve predictability.
Improving communication among employees is also crucial. Creating an open working environment ensures that every employee, regardless of department, can monitor the status of production and alert operators accordingly.
Finally, flexibility is key to handling the frequent changes that HMLVs entail. This requires ensuring operational flexibility, from machine inventory to workforce scheduling, to enable the company to adapt to changing demands. By implementing these strategies, small batch production operations can improve their efficiency and product consistency.