A team of specialists from Elhurt EMS revealed what an ideal partnership looks like, i.e. how to properly prepare for cooperation with a manufacturing company, what elements should be given more attention.
How can the Client improve the whole process of valuation?
The most important thing is that our team receives complete project documentation from the Client at the very beginning. The more information we receive at the beginning the better.
What information should the Client provide first?
First of all, it is extremely important to provide information about the scope of the offer, i.e. what is to be included in the price. For example, whether it has to include the cost of electronic components, PCB production, PCB assembly, final assembly, potting, etc. Each such component determines the amount of the quotation. Secondly, do not forget to specify the expected quantities and lots. It is also valuable for the Client to provide such documents as: BOM, Gerbers and PCB specifications.
When it comes to pricing of the assembly, materials in the form of 3D graphics or 3D projects showing the product are often helpful.
Can the Client count on video consultations?
Yes, of course. Usually, we as a supplier strive for such contact in the first place, then simply better relations are established.
What traps are waiting for us in the prototyping process?
The process of creating a new project, and as a result the product, in its specificity requires time for verification of the design idea and prototyping. It is particularly difficult to choose the right components, so it is worth to check their availability from suppliers and popularity of their use on the market. It is also worth avoiding solutions that are new on the market because the technology may not yet be perfected. While designing the prototype itself, it is worth to consider the potential scaling of the product and the given solution.
Which elements of prototyping can the Client handle on his own?
At PROTO we want to have full control over the material, therefore ELHURT EMS purchases 100% of the necessary materials. The Client is responsible for providing the documentation which includes the BOM (Bill of Material), the files necessary to make the PCB (printed circuit board), commonly known as Gerbers, as well as other necessary information such as PCB layout (pick and place), final assembly, testing or other additional operations envisaged by the designer.
Why would the Client order the production of a prototype series to Elhurt EMS?
We have been providing contract manufacturing services of electronics for many years and we have a dedicated department to handle prototype production. Thanks to this combination, the Client gains the knowledge of an experienced, large partner and a combination of processes dedicated to the PROTO segment. Our activity related to mass production allows us in many cases to see the potential in the scalability of the product and catch possible shortcomings of the project in this respect. We also have a lot of experience in sourcing electronic components, which, especially in the current market situation, can be very important for optimal project timing.
